Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2015 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The expected winds and available snow will keep the treeline hazard steady at considerable. This is a great time to be curious with the snowpack. Let the snowpack earn your trust!

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy tomorrow with trace amounts of precip. The winds will be back for another visit! Expect steady, SW winds in the 25km/hr range with gusts up to 70km/hr. Alpine temperatures will max out at -7 with a freezing level well below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new from the last 24hrs.

Snowpack Summary

Within the region we had another 3-5cm dusting overnight. This puts the Dec 4 surface hoar layer down 30cm on average (treeline & below). Below treeline this surface hoar layer is easily found in many open areas. Areas exposed to wind and/or sun don't seem to have as much of it. At treeline, the surface hoar is best described as "spotty". Some sheltered areas have it standing up, while other exposed areas have it laying flat and bonded to the neighboring layers. Up to 2160m, there were only soft slabs lingering from the wind event. Within the recent storm snow, stability tests showed a couple shears, but nothing too serious or long term. The alpine still has evidence of a natural cycle taking place over the last few days. Recently formed windslabs are present in the alpine as well. These are suspected to be touchy in nature.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Surface hoar is considered a long term problem. Its exact location in the terrain is still a question. Be prepared to look for it as you travel. Using small terrain as "tester" slopes will help indicate the reactivity.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

These windslabs will appear as freshly windloaded areas near ridge lines. Buried windslabs may also be present in more open terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2015 2:00PM