Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 15 – 16, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are near the tipping point of an increase in avalanche danger.  When the new snow does arrive, we can expect avalanche danger in Alpine terrain to approach considerable. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Pockets of wind slabs can still be found in the Alpine and selected areas at Treeline. Any avalanche that is triggered will likely fail on the basal October crust (or the ground) and involve the entire winters snowpack.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Thin new storm slabs are building in immediate lees along ridgelines.  Use caution on N and E aspects.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A trace of new snow is expected overnight and only about 5cm throughout the day on Monday. Winds are still expected to be strong out of the SW.  Temps will average -10C at 2800m.

Avalanche Summary

Report into the office yesterday of a skier accidental avalanche on a NE aspect at 2200m near Heros Knob.  Slab a sz 2 that was 30cm deep.  Other details were sketchy regarding length and width of the avalanche.  Lots of loose spindrift pouring out of steeper terrain as a result of the winds.

Snowpack Summary

Little change.  The few cms of new snow that has fallen is either blowing away, or building thin storm slabs along ridgelines.

Regions covered