Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2017 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, 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.

Cold for the next few days. Slower skiing due to the cold temperatures.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Cold weather until at least Friday with overnight lows in the minus mid-twenties and daytime highs around -20c. Isolated flurries for Wednesday with west wind at 20-40km/hr.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Not much changing in the snowpack at the moment, except more profound faceting due to the persistent cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and as they continue to become weaker, this layer will become problematic.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present in the Alpine on all aspects, and in isolated spots at Treeline. Steep and unsupported terrain are areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Triggering of a deeper slab is unlikely, but still possible in shallow snowpack areas.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2017 2:00PM