Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2017 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Do not let the lack of avalanche activity fool you into thinking that the snowpack is good. Human triggering is still a concern.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Forecast indicates 5cm overnight and Monday is showing temperatures around -10c.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind effect in open areas in the Alpine down into tree line. Our main concern still remains human triggering on the persistent slab which sits on the Dec 18 facets(down approx 30-50cm). Our second concern are cross loaded gullies and lee features. The November crust is still present in the lower third of the snow pack. Non-supportive facetted snow below tree line.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

These slabs are failing down 30-50cm at the main density change. Human triggering from a thin snowpack area is a definite possibility.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

More likely to be triggered from thinner areas and step down to the November crust producing larger avalanches.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2017 2:00PM