Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2024 1:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Kananaskis, Avalanche Canada

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Recent windslabs and warm temperatures are in a push/pull phase now. Warmth promotes settlement & improvement, yet it may also make things touchier if it gets too warm. Pay attention to aspect/solar input and air temperature if you're in avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and windslabs are the headliners today. Valley bottom had above zero degree temps, while treeline snuck in at -2. This has/will help stabilize windslabs, but expect them to still linger on all east aspects. If temperatures rise, or if the sun comes out, these slabs will become touchier. No change to the weak base layers. Snow depths are holding steady at about 80cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Temperatures will fall tomorrow morning and settle at -8 by 8am. Daytime high will be -3 near the divide, likely above zero valley bottom. Winds will continue to be light out of the SW. Snow? Maybe a touch in the evening as a front moves through. Not enough accumulation to change anything for the better or worse.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

If triggered the surface wind slabs may step down to this layer and involve the entire winters snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2024 3:00PM

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