Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 19 – 20, 2016Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Continued strong winds are producing widespread wind slabs on open slopes.Ice climbers be aware of exposure from above to loose dry avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    These slabs are continuing to grow with the consistent strong winds and will likely be more sensitive to human triggering and if triggered they could step down to the November crust layer.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    We expect to have received up to 20cm of snow by Tuesday afternoon. This new snow along with strong winds will increase the frequency and size of loose dry avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Continued strong westerly winds for the next few days. Expect 5-10cm on Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday will remain cold with a high of -10c.

Avalanche Summary

If Tuesday's storm is intensified, natural avalanche activity will likely increase.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm new snow in last 36 hrs with strong westerly winds. Extensive wind slabs in Alpine and open areas at TL.. The Nov 12th crust layer is buried 50-70cm and continues to give variable test results. Most of the snow pack is faceted and weak, especially where more shallow. The weather forecast is indicating another 10-15cm with strong winds which means the wind slabs will continue to grow and become more sensitive to human triggering.

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