Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2012 3:00PM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Wind values were below expected velocities over most of the forecast area on Friday but they are having an incremental effect on conditions in the alpine as we slowly see some wind sculpting taking place. Thin windslabs are steadily developing.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

No new snow in the forecast for the next 72+ hours. Valley bottom temperatures will gradually climb on Saturday into the -4 to -8 range but upper elevation temps will cool to -12- to -16 with winds that are forecast to be out of the west to northwest for the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches up to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

Very little change in the snowpack over the past few days. The upper snowpack continues to settle and strengthen . Windslabs building along ridge crests with increased west to north west winds above 2500m. Below treeline in in sheltered areas at treeline, surface hoar is growing - size range 4-10mm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of thin windslabs are being encountered at ridgelines and along cross-loaded gully features.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still a concern despite the lack of activity. In most areas at and above treeline we have a generally "deep" snowpack, however shallow areas will be found in the alpine. Treat these variable areas with caution.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2012 2:00PM