Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2014 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

There is enough snow out there for slab development. Wind is the missing ingredient at the moment. When the winds pick up, expect conditions to change.Have a happy, and safe Holiday Season!

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

We are back to a NW flow for tomorrow. Clear skies, cooler temps and dry conditions are expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new

Snowpack Summary

We have had anywhere from 8-16cms os snow in the last 24hrs. For the most part, the strong winds had blown themselves out by the time the snow really started falling. The alpine will have storm slabs and windslabs in immediate lee areas. Treeline still has some isolated windslabs that are likely reactive to human triggers. The long term trouble layers are still out there. Below treeline, the snow depth is 50-90cm with the Nov crust/facets/depth hoar down 70cm on average. Quick profiles today noted that the mid-pack is getting weaker. The Dec 3rd crust and Dec 18 surface hoar layers are out there, but not a problem with the current load.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer has potential for full depth avalanches. It is unlikely, but the possibility should ne recognized.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Avoid cross loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

These are limited to ridge crests and crossloaded terrain at alpine and open treeline areas.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

These are an anticipated problem as localized winds pick up. Given the expected change in weather flow, reverse loading could be an issue.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2014 2:00PM