Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2013 8:35AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Persistent Slabs.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Snow has finally made an appearance! Right now the wind has'nt had its way with the 25cm of fresh snow. This will change quickly as the winds pick up. Enjoy the fresh snow but keep a critical eye on conditions and route selection.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

The snow has finally arrived! up to 25cm today on the Spray Range. The winds were calm to light at all elevations as the storm came through the area. The cold is forecasted to return tonight and last for the next few days. Winds will shift to a northerly flow and pick up to the moderate range.

Avalanche Summary

Some isolated spindrift avalanches were noted in the Bow Valley. The frequency of these will pick up with the wind.

Snowpack Summary

HN24 of 25cm, low density. The storm came in warm and cooled as the event played out. Windloading will be a concern with the first significant winds. The midpack is still facetted at all elevations, however it does carry reasonably well with the new snow. Ski pen of 25 in untracked areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The northerly winds will quickly form storm slabs at any wind exposed area. Carefully assess transitional terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Very steep areas will be more susceptible to this problem. Pay attention to your overhead exposure.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

With the new load this layer may decide to wake up and become a problem. Be aware of the possibility of smaller avalanches stepping down to this layer.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2013 2:00PM