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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2014–Dec 20th, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

There have been some very slight snowpack changes overnight. Luckily nothing significant enough to up the hazard, but enough to justify a fresh look as you travel. In the high alpine, watch for ongoing wind transport, and the associated windslabs.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

The alpine winds (3000m) will remain steady at 30 km/hr tomorrow. The temps are going to be similar to today's with overnight lows tonight of -5(1500m) and -12(3000m). As for new snow, we are not expecting much but the general pattern suggests we might gain a few cm's from isolated flurries. It will also be a cloudy day. Very similar to today overall.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches today.

Snowpack Summary

A few isolated flurries last night left a skiff of new snow. Some areas had 2-4 cms. Not enough to impact the snowpack as a whole, but enough to bury the surface hoar that's been growing for the last while. Not an avalanche problem just yet. Also of note today was the wind transport. A few cornices popped up overnight and undoubtedly an isolated pocket or two of windslab in the alpine. The Dec 13th crust is down 4-5 cms and hanging in there in terms of strength. Still very noticeable...unfortunately. As for the  midpack, it is also hanging in there with the consistent temperatures. No significant change. As always the Nov 24 facets & Nov 6 rain crust are  lingering at the base of the snowpack waiting for a chance to show themselves. They are down an average of 70-90 cm's at tree line.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This is still the main concern right now. Choose terrain that is supported and in a deeper snowpack. We are definitely dealing with a classic Rockies snowpack right now!
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4