Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2017 3:10PM

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

KESAdmin, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Watch for pockets or windslabs along ridgelines and crossloaded features in the alpine and isolated areas at treeline.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Cloudy with trace of new snow overnight. Winds continue out of the north and are light. Look at Mountain weather services also available at Avalanche.ca

Avalanche Summary

No new activity in the past 24hrs.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow continues to settle. Some windslabs were observed in Alpine areas up to 25cm thick but these were not that widespread at this time. The Dec 15th interface is down 30-40cm but a lack of a cohesive slab is preventing widespread activity on this layer. The key thing to be aware of is the windslabs that are developing and the potential for triggering as you move into more wind affected areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs in open areas and along ridge lines. As winds increase these will become more reactive.

Avoid cross loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Caution in thinner snowpack areas where you may be able to wake up this layer.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2017 2:00PM