Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2017 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We are facing another warm spell tomorrow through Saturday. Snow stability is directly related to temperature. The danger ratings may change drastically and with little notice if the forecast holds true.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The big story is the warm weather coming our way. Starting tonight, we are expecting freezing levels to steadily rise. By midday tomorrow the freezing level is expected to reach 2900m. We are also going to see clear skies for the day. Expect some solar input to influence the snowpack. The winds will range from 20-40km/hr at ridge top. The temperatures will remain warm throughout thursday night.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight alpine winds have continued to reverse load south aspects and strip the northwest sides. Windslabs are now on most aspects and extending below ridgelines. They are also found near the bottoms of large alpine cliffs. Treeline has seen little change as temperatures and winds have remained steady. At both elevations, the crusts are the main concern. However, limited avalanche activity suggests the crusts are still intact and generally well bonded.Â

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Depending on when the warm air arrives, this layer may "wake up" as the surface slabs absorb the heat and weaken. South aspects will be more prone to localized weakening. Pay attention to temps and expect rapidly changing conditions.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Avoid areas with overhead hazard.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

If/when the temperatures rise, expect the windslabs to become touchier.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

It is hard to say if this will be an actual problem. But it is easy to say it is should be on your radar. Steep south aspects would be the likely place to encounter them.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2017 2:00PM