Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2014 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

Natural activity is decreasing by there is still potential for human triggerring on the two november layers.  Dig down and evaluate.  Also...  its still really early season out there.  Save your knees!!!

Summary

Confidence

Good - Due to the number of field observations on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Not much is forecast to change on friday as cool temps will continue and bright blue skies.  As we transition into the weekend we may see up to 10cm of snow throughout the region with light sw winds.  This new snow will likely do very little to change the current avalanche danger.

Avalanche Summary

No new noteable natural avalanche activity was observed over the past 24hrs.

Snowpack Summary

Things are changing but very slowly.  On average there is about 1m of snow at treeline areas.  This snow is generally weak and facetted but there are few layers that skiers and riders should be aware of.  THe Nov26th facet interface is generally down 60cm.  Moderate Sudden collapse sheers are being observed at this interface that indicate there is still potential for human triggerring.  The november rain crust is down closer to 80cm and moderate sheers are also being observed at this interface on a layer of facets overlying it. 

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Easy to find in alpine terrain, more spotty in nature in treeline areas.  Defintely triggerrable by a skier.
Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
The Nov crust is beginning to facet out in some areas but still use caution and evaluate this deep weakness.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2014 2:00PM

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