Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2014–Jan 1st, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Its hard to keep the radar on during these spells of consistent hazard. Remember to always look for changes in conditions and look at the snowpack with a critical eye. Sheltered areas at treeline are the best bet for good turns.

Weather Forecast

We'll see the NW flow continue for another day. In the alpine, the temperatures will hold steady at the -10 to -5 range for tomorrow. The winds will stay moderate near the divide, but the front ranges can expect another windy day. As for new snow, we'll have to wait a bit yet. Nothing significant is expected.

Avalanche Summary

no new

Snowpack Summary

Not much has changed in the last 24hours. The winds have recently spiked with the arrival of the warm temperatures. Some snow has been redistributed, but it seems this is more pronounced at lower elevations. The persistent layers are still the prominent feature in the snowpack. The Dec 13th rain crust is down 20-30cm's at 2200m. The mid pack is giving us the strength in the snowpack. It is consistently dense and bridging the weaker deep layers. The bottom layers are now one thick layer of facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Watch open areas where slabs may have recently gotten thicker. Use supported terrain to your advantage and avoid convex terrain where possible.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

While limited action has been seen on this layer, it is still a concern in rocky areas with variable coverage. Steep areas below cliffs have been a common trouble spot lately.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4