Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2019 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Lots of good skiing can be found at all elevations. Caution should be taken for traveling into more exposed and steeper terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Light flurries are expected for Tuesday along with light winds from the West. Alpine temperatures will hover around -12c. A slight warming trend and stronger winds are expected for Wednesday along with snow starting in the evening.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

We traveled to Burstall Pass today. 5-10cm of new snow overlies the previous 25 cm of storm snow which is bonding well to the layer below. Some wind effect in the alpine and variable wind effect at tree line. Our snow pit revealed the December 30 facet layer is producing hard compression tests down approximately 50cm. This is quite different from our snow tests yesterday on Tryst ridge which were in the moderate range. The bottom half of the snow pack is still very weak and is made up of large facets and depth hoar; something that will be with us for a long time. We were conservative with our ski lines as we have little confidence in the snow pack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Be aware of what the snow is doing under your skis. Does it feel like a slab?

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Do not underestimate its avalanche potential! Avoid thin spaces.

Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2019 2:00PM