Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2012 8:05AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Storm slabs exist in the Alpine on lee and cross loaded features which could be sensitive to light loads in steep and convex terrain. Excellent skiing is found in sheltered locations.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures should remain near -15 for next couple of days and winds will be generally light from the southern quadrant. Little to no snow is expected over the next 2 days. Skies will likely be a mix of sun and cloud.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches were observed in extreme terrain up to size 1.0.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of new snow with storm snow totals near 30cm. Minimal wind effect until above 2500m where variable wind slab conditions exist including hard and soft slabs.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm slabs have developed in Alpine terrain where there has been intermittent light and variable winds. These new slabs are in immediate lees and do not extent far down slope.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs that developed earlier in the week are tougher to located due to recent snowfalls. Watch for pockets of these slabs on open planar slopes, especially in the Alpine. Steep cross-loaded terrain should also be approached with caution.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area and is buried 100cm on average. Field tests are showing reduced sensitivity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads could trigger this interface.

Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2012 2:00PM