Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2015–Dec 8th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

A big change in avalanche hazard will occur on Tuesday as moderate snowfalls arrive with extreme SW winds. The Dec 4th weak layer will be primed for human triggering. Adjust your terrain choices accordingly.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 20cm of new snow is expected through the day on Tuesday with strong to extreme SW winds. Temperatures will be mild with highs near -2 celsius in the Alpine and freezing levels near 1900m.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new was observed today, but visibility was limited.

Snowpack Summary

5 to10cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours with strong SW winds and generally warm temperatures. Between 10 and 20cm of snow now covers the Dec 4th interface of surface hoar, sun crust and facets, and the bond at this interface appears poor. Thin wind slabs have formed in Alpine and Treeline areas on lee and cross-loaded features, and further wind slab development will continue as the storm is expected to bring more snow and strong/extreme winds over the next 24 to 48 hours. The snowpack remains supportive to skier traffic above  approximately 1900m, but below this ski penetration is to ground. Current snow depths:Burstall = 74cmMud Lake = 62cm

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slab development is on-going and will continue through the night and on Tuesday. The Dec 4th interface of surface hoar, sun crust and facets will be ripe for triggering once there is a significant wind slab formed overtop this weak layer.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Dry

New snow loads and strong winds will lead to sluffing in steep terrain at all elevations.
Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3