Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing was found in sheltered areas. We are in for a change. Strong winds are expected until Thursday, thus creating wind slabs into tree line. Snow on the way starting Wednesday night.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is suppose to bring cloudy skies with isolated flurries.Â 55-80km/h SW winds are expected to start Tuesday night and continue through to Thursday.Â Temperatures in the alpine for Wednesday should reach -4c.Â Periods of snow are expected for Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar is continuing to grow on the surface and could become an issue if Thursday snowfall is of great amounts. Some wind effect at tree line was observed.Â Jan 6 SH layer is mostly found below 2200m and not much of a concern because of the lack of a slab.Â The Dec 15 layer is variable in the alpine and more prominent at treeline.Â The November crusts are starting to show some breakdown with more facets around the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds are expected to continue until Thursday. Expect wind slab development to continue. We will probably start to see wind slabs at tree line.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This layer is very prominent at treeline and more variable in the alpine. This layer is 50-70cm down. Take the time to dig and assess this layer as it is sitting on top of facets.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2018 2:00PM