Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Fast travel conditions continue, but good quality skiing is hard to find. Use extra caution in shallow snowpack areas at upper elevations where it is still possible to trigger a small wind slab.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday will be mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures should reach a high of -3 Â°C. Winds at ridge-top will be out of the southwest at 60-70 km/h. Freezing level will rise to 1700 metres by the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No recent reports or observations.

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting continues. Sun crusts are present on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar has been observed in sheltered areas below treeline, but some surface hoar growth has also been found into the Alpine. Wind slabs continue to be widespread at upper elevations. Several recent snow profiles indicate that there is not yet a persistent weak layer in the snowpack (but the winter is young!).

Problems

Wind Slabs

Dense wind slabs are common in Alpine terrain and open areas at Treeline, especially in lee and cross-loaded features. Steep terrain with shallow snowpack characteristics are potential trigger points.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2015 2:00PM