Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 27th, 2024 1:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Kananaskis,
Avalanche Canada
Look to sheltered northerly aspects for isolated pockets of soft snow. Watch for windslabs as you move into more open areas at treeline and above. Good ice climbing temps!
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported although some cracking was observed in immediate lee's in commonly wind affected features.
Snowpack Summary
The recent 5-8cm of snow from the trace snowfalls is making things look a bit better but not doing much to change the hazard. Wind slabs can be found in the Alpine with multiple layers of laminated wind slabs in the upper snowpack. The Dec crust is down 30 to 50cm is spotty through the forecast area, but is still a layer of concern. The deeper Nov and Oct crusts are faceting and could be triggered with large loads such as a cornice or a surface wind slab. Overall snowpack depths are well below average, and in many lower elevation areas it has little to no strength. Our biggest concern is triggering the wind slab and having it step down full depth. If you are uncertain of conditions, take the time to dig and have a look at the weak snowpack near the ground.
Weather Summary
The less than desirable weather for skiers continues. Saturday will see partially sunny skies, perhaps some isolated flurries and a day time high of -8. Winds will be 35km/h out of the Southwest.
For more weather click here.
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
New, old and buried windslabs dominate the open terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 28th, 2024 3:00PM
