Kananaskis Avalanche Forecast — Dec 21, 2023

Highlights

Some snow and strong winds will create new wind slabs. Approach avalanche terrain with caution.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
1–1.5
Wind slabs/ old windslabs are present in almost all lee and cross-loaded features.
Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
1.5–3
Be mindful of the weak layers towards the base of the snowpack. Thin rocky areas may propagate out to thicker areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Nothing to report.

Snowpack Summary

Summary of the snowpack:

2100m: The height of snow is around 45cm and has a prominent crust halfway up the snowpack and produced easy test results on the compression test(CTV). The lower half of the snowpack consisted mostly of facets and was very weak.

2250m: The height of snow was around 90cm and felt generally stable. The December rain crust was prominent and found just above the mid mark of the pack and was welded in place.

The warmer temperatures this Fall are keeping the temperature gradient small in the snowpack and is having a positive effect on it over the long term. But this still does not change the fact that we need more snow:)

The stronger winds and up to 10cm of snow on Friday has the potential to create new wind slabs at treeline and above. Be alert to changing conditions.

Weather Summary

Friday will bring flurries and 5-10cm of snow. The alpine high will be -3c with strong SW winds. Be alert of changing conditions at tree line and above.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.

Kananaskis

Avalanche danger