Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2018 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Recent snow and strong SW winds have created widepsread windslabs in all open areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

On saturday temperatures are expected to warm up with daytime highs around -5C at treeline. Winds are forecast to begin to ease off into the moderate range out of the SW with 3-5cm of additional snow. A new low is building in the gulf of Alaska that may MAY.... give us some more snow early next week.

Avalanche Summary

Due to snow and cloudy conditions no new avalanches were observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Over the past three days up to 30cm of snow has fallen at treeline elevations and above. Lower elevations have only seen about have of that amount. This new snow has fallen under the influence of strong SW winds so widespread windslabs have developed in open areas. At treeline and below the Dec 10th surface hoar later is now down 20-25cm. This layer is only being found in sheltered areas due to previous winds but was large so we suspect it to be reactive where present. Overall the base of the snowpack is weak and facetted with the October crust 20-30cm off the ground.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 30cm recent snow at treeline and above and strong winds are creating widespread new windslabs.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak facetted base is underlying all the new snow with a October crust near the base. Be aware of the potential for a full depth avalanche.

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2018 2:00PM