Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2017 3:13PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

This last storm has dropped 15cm in our East region and around 5cm on the Spray road. The recent wind slabs are now buried so use caution when approaching slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Monday is forecast for isolated flurries and cold temperatures. Winds are expected to be light from the East. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be sunnier yet remain on the cool side.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the last 24 hrs.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm snow has fallen in the eastern region from an upslope storm but only 3-5cm along the divide area. Our first main concern continues to be failures on the November crust down 40-60cm in open wind affected areas. This November crust seems to be more reactive in snowpack tests over the past few days. Our second concern is the persistent slab that is now buried under this new snow reacting to the faceted layer down about 35-50cm.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer down 35 to 40cm in the snowpack seems prime for human triggering in steep and unsupported terrain.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The November crust buried 50 to 90cm in the snowpack has become reactive to snowpack stability tests. Triggering is more likely in shallow snowpack areas and rocky features.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow is now covering the recent wind slabs in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline and below.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2017 2:00PM