Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2015 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good ski quality, but keep in mind the early December persistent weak layer. This layer will be an issue for some time. Watch for wind loading at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Monday will be mainly cloudy with little to no precipitation expected. Temperatures in the Alpine should reach a high of -9 °C. Winds are forecasted to be out of the northwest at 15 km/h. Tuesday could see some sunny breaks.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of new snow overnight from convective flurries. Winds have remained light and as a result, there has been little snow redistribution and slab development except in the Alpine along immediate lee features such as ridge lines and cross-loaded terrain. Dec 4th persistent weak layer down 50-60cm at Treeline and is producing shears in the Moderate to Hard range. Dec 4th surface hoar was found up to 2300m in areas observed today but believe that this is not widespread, as we have previously only found it at 2100m and below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs have formed in Alpine areas on lee and cross-loaded features. These slabs do not seem to extend far down-slope, but could be a concern in steep and unsupported terrain.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 4th persistent weak layer, buried 50 to 70cm at Treeline, remains a concern in the snowpack, as it continues to give results in snowpack stability tests. Open slopes and convex terrain are areas with potential for human-triggering.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2015 2:00PM