Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2012 8:13AM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

No major weather influences anticipated over the next couple of days - mainly cloudy with occasional flurries accompanied by gradual cooling. Still some very good skiing on sheltered slopes which have not seen a lot of traffic.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Gradual cooling to continue with light westerly winds. Only minimal amounts of new snow expected.

Avalanche Summary

Some minor sluffing from steep lee asp in ALP on NE asp.

Snowpack Summary

Test profile in Chester lake area. Hs 105cm. 1F RG midpack with FC'ing evident throughout snowpack. Nov CR layer disintegrating under influence of strong temperature gradient.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are highly variable in their depth and distribution, but are prominent in alpine areas and isolated locations at treeline. Cross-loaded features and terrain immediately below ridgecrests are possible trigger points.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area and is buried 100cm on average. Field tests are showing a decrease in activity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads could trigger this interface.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2012 2:00PM