Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

On Christmas Day strong winds and light snowfall will lead to further wind slab development. The October layer remains a major concern in the snowpack and requires cautious route selection. Next bulletin update will be on the afternoon of Boxing Day.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 5cm of snow possible on Christmas Day and 7 to 10cm on Boxing Day. Temperatures will be relatively mild and winds will remain strong from the West or North-West.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

1cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. Strong winds continue to move some snow around at higher elevations leading to continued wind slab development on North and East aspects. The October layer of facets/depth hoar/crust remains a serious concern at the base of the snowpack, and this problem is unlikely to go away anytime soon.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October crust (or the ground) and involve the entire winters snowpack, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Some whumpfing has been experienced in recent days.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are found in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline on lee and cross-loaded features. With the incoming precipitation and strong winds, further slab development will occur.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2013 2:00PM