Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2014 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Conditions are improving but in very small and slow steps. Whumpfing and settlements are still occurring indicating that the snowpack is still trigger-able by skiers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are in a holding pattern weather wise until saturday wherein we may see up to 10cm of new snow. Clear and moderate sw winds until then...

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity was observed today but there is still evidence of the widepsread cycle from last week.

Snowpack Summary

Winds increased over the past few days making skiing in most open wind affected areas less than perfect. Storm snow sheers have tightened up but there is still the problem associated with the Nov 24th facets (down 50-60cm) and the Nov 6th rain crust down 70-90cm. Both of these layers are continuing to produce sheers in the easy to moderate range.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Most open wind affected terrain at treeline and bove has evidence of wind affect.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Facets overlying the Nov 6th crust are still producing whumpfs and settlements indicating that this layer is still possible for skiers to trigger.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2014 2:00PM