Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2015 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A system is expected to cross the region this weekend. This will bury the surface hoar currently on the snow surface which will likely be a problem for some time.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds are forecast to ease off slightly on Sunday before the remnant if a system cross the forecacst region beginning Saturday afternoon/evening. Up to 15cm of snow may fall and this will then officially bury the surface hoar layer. Temperatures are forecast to cool slightly.

Avalanche Summary

No new Natural avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

A trace amount of new snow fell overnight but not enough to really bury the surface hoar that has been growing on all aspects up to 2400m. The Dec 13th interface is down 30-40cm and continues to produce moderate sheers on a layer of facets over this crust. This crust, the Dec 13, is only being found up to 2250m-ish. Below this the mid pack is generally well settled with the 1106cr down 1m. Most alpine terrain is wind hammerred and even some areas down into treeline saw some wind affect on Friday.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Treeline areas is where one can expect to enouter this problem.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>Avoid cross loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Watch for thin weak areas where it may be possible to trigger this weakness

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2015 2:00PM