Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2016 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Don't let a lack of natural activity fool you into trusting the snow pack. The Dec 18th layer is going to linger for a long time yet! Sheltered areas at treeline will be the best bet for decent skiing.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Continued winds overnight tonight. Ridge top winds will be from the west and average about 45km/hr. Tomorrow will be similar to today. -13 as a high, no new snow and still windy (40-50km/hr) up high.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of recent snow throughout the region. Below treeline this has helped the travel conditions slightly, but not enough to recommend valley bottom travel as a trip in itself. Treeline is where the difference is felt. Where the wind hasn't touched the snow, there is the new surface snow with little structure beneath it. Where the wind has gotten to it, there is a denser layer on top of the weak mid pack. It gives an "upside down" feel while skiing. This upside down snow doesn't pose an avalanche problem until open areas at treeline, where it has more of a slab character. There is a mix of surface slabs and buried slabs that all sit on the Dec 18th facet layer. The upper ranges of treeline and alpine elevations all remain variable with almost immediate transitions between soft snow and windslab. These "laminated" slabs are up to 60cm thick and are more common in wind prone areas and below cliffs. In many alpine areas the wind slabs can be extremely dense and may propagate further than expected.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

These are growing with the wind transport lately. A lack of natural activity suggests we are still in the human triggering range. Avoid loaded areas near ridges and overhead terrain.

Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

These are ongoing in very steep, high alpine terrain. Climbers should take note! They may run into skiable terrain and they may become more frequent as the winds pick up.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2016 2:00PM