Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Human triggering of slabs remains a possibility, especially at higher elevations. The weak basal facets are cause for concern in larger terrain features. Cautious route selection is advised.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -11 degrees. Winds will be light from the West. No new snow is expected Sunday and only a trace is forecast for Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface growth observed in sheltered areas at lower elevations. Sun crusts are found on steep South aspects. Snowpack is weak and unsupportive at lower elevations. Wind effect Alpine areas.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October crust (or the ground) and involve the entire winters snowpack, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Some whumpfing has been experienced in recent days.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are found in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. No recent natural avalanches have been associated with this problem, but human triggering is still possible, especially along ridge crests or in steep and unsupported terrain.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2013 2:00PM