Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Alberta Parks burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

Chinook conditions the next couple of days will result in considerable redistribution of snow and contribute to slab development.  If  wind values reach forecasted levels we may see an increase to CONSIDERABLE at treeline so watch for wind effects.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A strong chinook flow is expected by Tuesday/Wednesday  with winds westerly at 65-75km/h gusting to 90-100km/h at times.  Temperatures will rise well above seasonal levels and no new precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Limited minor sluffing in steep rocky terrain.  One Size 1 soft slab release triggered by goats on an E aspect at treeline in steep rocky terrain.  Ran 75m by 10m wide.  Approx depth of 20cm.  No tracks or other sign indicating goats were caught!

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow settling slowly.  Strong-extreme winds forecast for the day have not manifested themselves in the core of the forecast area but were prevalent only a few km away at the north end of the  Spray valley.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Slabs 30-40cm thick are being encountered on north and east aspects at treeline and above. Many slabs that failed in the latest cycle failed on a surface hoar or facet layer down 30-50cm.  Avoid unsupported and convex terrain features.
Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2013 2:00PM

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