Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The strong SW winds are likely to continue until Tuesday night. Be alert for wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The one thing the weather models agree on is that we can expect strong SW winds on Tuesday with alpine temps around -8c. Some models indicate that we might get 5cm of snow by Tuesday night.

Avalanche Summary

There were several size 1.5 loose dry avalanches on the east face of Mt. Murray. They look like they happened in the last 48hrs.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds on Monday have created many wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs, especially near alpine ridges in lee and cross loaded terrain are a concern because if they are initiated, they will likely step down into the weak base layers and involve the full depth of the snowpack. In steep and unsupported terrain there is still avalanche hazard, despite the very slow start (shallow snowpack) we are experiencing. More strong winds are forecast for Tuesday which will continue to make widespread windslabs in the alpine and treeline.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Hard slabs overlying facets is the main concern. Be cautious in gullies, unsupported areas or steeper terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2018 2:00PM