Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 20 – 21, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Specific terrain characteristics still pose an avalanche threat. All the usual suspects on the list: steep, thin, windloaded features all deserve careful assessment.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    These slabs are becoming less reactive as time goes on. Tests today showed a sudden failure at the base of the snowpack on a 26 degree moraine slope. Treat thin, steep areas with respect.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–5
    This layer is still causing concern for a number of reasons. Assess ski or climbing lines by digging in safe, representative areas and see how it is behaving before committing. We have found huge spatial variability with this layer.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Upper level winds are expected to settle down and take on a more northerly flow. Temperatures will be a bit cooler than today with a large spread between valley bottom and alpine. Cloudy skies for tomorrow with no precip forecasted. The next wave of snow is thought to be arriving on Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

The recent snow has settled quickly in sheltered areas. BTL is still un supportive with ski pens of 20+. At TL & ALP, the winds have formed wind slabs of varying densities. Generally the slabs get stiffer as elevation and proximity to ridges grows.  HS@Burstall pass 86 and HS@Mud Lake 65.

Regions covered