Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 19, 2017Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Caution is advised when approaching bigger terrain.  Lots going on at all elevations with this new snowfall. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs will continue to form with overnight winds and tomorrow 's easterly winds.  Be cautious on lee features and also on your normal windward features (reverse wind loading)

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer is widespread in terms of its location in the terrain. The new snow load will not likely be enough to activate this layer yet, but be cautious of thin areas where triggering may be more possible.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snow will sluff easily in steeper terrain at higher elevations as well as below 2150m where the weak layer of large surface hoar crystals exists.  Ice climbers should avoid climbs with overhead hazard.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

There is a winter storm watch in effect.  Please visit your local weather site for up to date forecast.  Tuesday is forecast to bring more snow (11cm) with -15c in the Alpine.  The winds, however, are forecast to switch direction and come from the East at 25-35km/hr.

Avalanche Summary

Three natural loose dry avalanches size 1.5 were observed in the Murray Creek area.The new snow also moved easily under our skis on the hard wind slab in the moraines of Murray Creek.

Snowpack Summary

Early Monday morning, we received 25cm of new snow in the valley bottom and 35cm in the alpine.  Some of this snow has started to turn into a slab in the alpine due to wind.  All of this new snow is sitting on a variety of surfaces.  Remember those hard wind slabs we have been talking about; it is a pretty smooth surface for the new snow to slide on, so be cautious under larger or steeper slopes.  Some of this new snow might also be sitting on a sun crust that was formed a week or so ago on steep solar aspects.  Also remember the surface hoar that was formed over this 3 week dry spell; it can be found up to 2100m and can be a sliding surface if the slope is steep and planar.  Lots going on at all elevations, so be cautious on your approach especially with more snow on the way.

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