Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Remain vigilant in steep and unsupported terrain in case you find the sweet spot for that wind slab, or triggering a deeper slab in a shallow snowpack area. Otherwise, we need some more snow before the danger level will rise.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The cold temperatures will continue until Sunday, so be sure to bundle up. Thursday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, but very little accumulation is expected. Temperatures will climb to -15 °C in the Alpine, but likely be colder in the valley floors. Wind chills will remain a factor with light to moderate westerly winds through the period.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches up to size 1.0 in steep Alpine terrain on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack continues to facet with the persistently cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects, and in isolated spots at Treeline. Below 2200m a buried layer of surface hoar (down 20 to 30cm) remains a layer of note, but due to the current lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been active. Deeper in the snowpack the November and october crust layers are being monitored, but are not currently active.

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.

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

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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2017 2:00PM