Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2014 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

With as much as 10cm coming our way in the next 48hrs the building windslabs in the alpine should be on one's radar. Treeline and below might have some decent skiing tucked away in sheltered areas tomorrow and the next day.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

5 cm's of snow is forecasted for the next 24hrs with strong alpine winds (50km/hr). Temperatures will remain reasonable with an alpine high of -7. Down the road, we are expecting a short pulse of snow that may force the hazard up. For the incoming pulse, winds will reach into the extreme range from the west.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

Light to moderate snow transport at ridge top has been helping the windslabs build. While immediate lee areas are the most likely places to find the slabs, we can expect these slabs to start creeping down further and further from the ridges. Open areas at treeline will likely have these slabs as well. Aside from these new slabs, it is business as usual with the deeper crusts. The Nov 6th has the most potential for significant avalanches due to its deeper position (60-90cm's down).

Problems

Wind Slabs

Immediate lee areas near alpine ridges are the zone for this problem. Assess the transitional areas carefully.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Crossloaded features in the alpine and upper treeline are the most likely places to encounter this problem. If a slide does initiate, expect wide propagation.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2014 2:00PM