Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2017 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Stable conditions out there. Wind slabs cover most of the alpine and extend into tree line. Good skiing can be found near tree line and below. Be cautious of thinner snow coverage and natural hazards(logs and tree stumps) in the trees.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is expected to bring mostly sunny skies with a temperature inversion (1c in the alpine and cooler in the valley bottom). Winds will be 25km/hr from the west. Freezing level is suppose to be at valley bottom. Cooler temps and isolated flurries forecast for Friday.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity observed.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is mostly stable and will not not change much until we see a major weather change. Quite a bit of wind slab on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline. This wind slab can be quite hard and mostly breakable. Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found in most places in the alpine and extend somewhat into treeline. These slabs are 10-30cm thick and can be hard and breakable.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Breakable crust makes for tough ski conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer is widespread in terms of its location in the terrain. Its condition seems to vary from an intact crust to a facetted mish mash of weak grains. Thin areas that have a hard slab over top should be treated with caution.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2017 2:00PM