Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2014 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Not a lot of reason to rush out to the backcountry ski areas right now. Heavy, wet snow is the norm. The valley bottom snowpack is steadily fading away to nothing... Might be a good time to finish off that holiday shopping.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Another brief blast of wind is expected tonight at higher elevations. Most of our alpine snowpack has blown away so unless there is a significant change in direction, the wind won't be an avalanche problem. The temps at alpine elevations are going to hover around 0. Freezing level will be 2100m. Today's high on the Spray was 4 degrees. Light precipitation is expected with most of it being rain mixed with a flurry or two.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations today, but loose wet avalanches are expected to have been ongoing in very steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

An average of 2cm was lost within the last 24hrs due to settlement. The settlement has stabilized suggesting the snowpack is quite dense and settled. In the long run this will be a positive thing, for now it means a wet, heavy snowpack that is not especially solid at treeline and below treeline elevations. Snowpack values are: Burstall Pass 90, Highwood 71, Aster Lk 94 and Burstall Parking 49.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

At higher elevations, there's still a significant amount of snow resting on this layer waiting for a trigger. Avoid avalanche terrain until the weather cools and stabilizes the snowpack.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Snow amounts below treeline will make this an isolated problem, but one to be aware of. Avoid overhead hazards, terrain traps and runout zones.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2014 2:00PM