Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2024 1:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada Kananaskis, Avalanche Canada

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A couple centimeters of snow is welcomed, but much more is needed to make a significant difference. Skiing where there has been significant traffic previous will provide the best opportunity for good turns.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported or observed.

Snowpack Summary

The trace amounts of snow over the past week has added up to 10cm at treeline. This snow is overlying previous 20-40 cm thick windslabs that continue to settle and slowly strengthen with the seasonal temperatures we are experiencing. The Dec 7th temperature crust can be found on solar aspects up to 2500m down 30-50cm and the weak basal facets that once were the November and October crusts are close to ground. Thin areas where the basal layers could be triggered should be treated with caution. The windslabs seem easy to "feel" and locate as you approach ridgelines and col's and should also be treated with caution especially in convex or unsupported areas. Any avalanche in the upper snowpack will likely involve the entire snowpack and scrub down to ground so keep this in mind as you travel.

Weather Summary

Tuesday:

A mix of sun and cloud.

15km/h West wind

Day time high of -13. No precip expected.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Windslabs in the upper snowpack are common in alpine areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

If triggered the surface wind slabs may step down to this layer and involve the entire winters snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2024 3:00PM

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