Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 18 – 19, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Snow has finally made an appearance! Right now the wind has'nt had its way with the 25cm of fresh snow. This will change quickly as the winds pick up. Enjoy the fresh snow but keep a critical eye on conditions and route selection.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    With the new load this layer may decide to wake up and become a problem. Be aware of the possibility of smaller avalanches stepping down to this layer.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Very steep areas will be more susceptible to this problem. Pay attention to your overhead exposure.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    The northerly winds will quickly form storm slabs at any wind exposed area. Carefully assess transitional terrain.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

The snow has finally arrived! up to 25cm today on the Spray Range. The winds were calm to light at all elevations as the storm came through the area. The cold is forecasted to return tonight and last for the next few days. Winds will shift to a northerly flow and pick up to the moderate range.

Avalanche Summary

Some isolated spindrift avalanches were noted in the Bow Valley. The frequency of these will pick up with the wind.

Snowpack Summary

HN24 of 25cm, low density. The storm came in warm and cooled as the event played out. Windloading will be a concern with the first significant winds. The midpack is still facetted at all elevations, however it does carry reasonably well with the new snow. Ski pen of 25 in untracked areas.

Regions covered