Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2013 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Specific terrain characteristics still pose an avalanche threat. All the usual suspects on the list: steep, thin, windloaded features all deserve careful assessment.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Upper level winds are expected to settle down and take on a more northerly flow. Temperatures will be a bit cooler than today with a large spread between valley bottom and alpine. Cloudy skies for tomorrow with no precip forecasted. The next wave of snow is thought to be arriving on Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

The recent snow has settled quickly in sheltered areas. BTL is still un supportive with ski pens of 20+. At TL & ALP, the winds have formed wind slabs of varying densities. Generally the slabs get stiffer as elevation and proximity to ridges grows. HS@Burstall pass 86 and HS@Mud Lake 65.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs are becoming less reactive as time goes on. Tests today showed a sudden failure at the base of the snowpack on a 26 degree moraine slope. Treat thin, steep areas with respect.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This layer is still causing concern for a number of reasons. Assess ski or climbing lines by digging in safe, representative areas and see how it is behaving before committing. We have found huge spatial variability with this layer.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2013 2:00PM