Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A weak weather system will bring light precipitation late Sunday or early Monday. Snowfall amounts are not expected to change the Danger Level.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures near -12 for Sunday with moderate SW winds. Weather models disagree on the timing for a possible precipitation event. Some are guessing Sunday and some Monday, but either way snowfall amounts will be light.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting. Otherwise little change.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs are most pronounced near ridgelines and on cross-loaded terrain. At treeline avoid steeper unsupported features where you may be able to trigger this weakness.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area and is buried 100cm on average. Field tests are showing a decrease in activity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads could trigger this interface.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2012 2:00PM