Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2013 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Backcountry users have a number of things to consider. The avalanche conditions are improving, but users must still keep an eye out for touchy conditions in isolated areas. As for the cold, shorter trips near the road will be the way to go.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations on Thursday

Weather Forecast

The current high pressure will continue to build over the next 24hrs. With that we can expect an almost pure northerly flow, clear skies, cold temps, and you guessed it...no new snow. Winds in the forecast region are expected to remain light. Down the road temps are expected to rise slightly. Highs of -20 are predicted for Saturday. We have a rather stable airmass over our heads at the moment.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations today despite good visibility.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar continues to grow in valley bottom. The surface snow continues to facet and lose even more strength. Windslabs at TL & ALP elevations are expected to lose some strength as well, but they still remain an avalanche concern. Travel is pretty tough unless on an existing trail.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

In shallower areas the cold will continue to break down the crust and facet the snowpack in general. Thin spots are still the main areas where a skier might initiate an avalanche on the crust.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

The windslabs from the storm earlier this week are still a concern in lee areas in the alpine & treeline elevations. These slabs will be less reactive as a whole, but without a doubt there are some lingering that will react with human traffic.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2013 2:00PM