Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2018 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Pay close attention to wind slab densities and avoid hard slabs. If it sounds hollow or you have to kick you boot/ski in, avoid it.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The optimist in me sees snow in the forecast, but the realist can't look past the amounts. Forecasts vary, but even at the high end, we're only looking at 3cm for tomorrow. On the plus side, the winds will be light from the north. Cloudy skies.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Where to start? Lets mix it up and start with alpine windslabs. These are widespread in distribution, but the density will vary with exposure to wind. Expect harder slabs in gullies and immediate lee areas. Next, we'll tackle treeline windslabs. Like the alpine, these will be found near ridges and gullies, but expect them to quickly fade as you move away fromÂ the treeline/alpine border. Lastly, lets chat about the Oct 26 layer. This is widespread, but its condition seems to vary from area to area. In some places it is complete garbage- a collection of facets and depth hoar waiting to crumble. In others, it's still intact and even supportive. The bottom line? Dig to check it out.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lens of hard slabs should be expected in alpine areas. Thin weak spots at the edges of these lens should be treated with caution.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This crust is mostly found on or near the ground. This layer has not been active lately, but there is potential for slab avalanches on this layer given the current snowpack structure.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2018 2:00PM