Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We should finally see a bit of snow over the next few days! Unfortunately it won't likely amount to very much, in which case the hazard level will remain unchanged. Keep an eye on local conditions.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Believe it or not there is actually some snow in the forecast! Monday will only be a trace of snow with as much as 5 to 10cm by Wednesday. That's not much, but it's better than nothing! Winds will be moderate from the SW on Monday with temperatures near -8 under cloudy skies. Tuesday will likely be a bit colder and overcast with light flurries.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new in the past week.

Snowpack Summary

Not much has changed in the snowpack for some time now. The only exception to this would be the continued facetting, particularly of the surface snow. Small wind slabs still exist near alpine ridges in lee and cross-loaded terrain, and if initiated will likely step down into the weak base layers and involve the 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.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

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

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2018 2:00PM