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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2021–Feb 26th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

There seems to be huge amounts of variability regionally when it comes to snowpack character at the moment. What we're seeing in our specific forecast region (Smith Dorrien corridor) may not apply to neighboring areas. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

It looks as though the winds will relax and take a break tomorrow. The ridgetop winds will drop from 30km/hr to about 15 by tomorrow afternoon. they'll generally be out of the west, but we are expecting them to briefly shift to the east over night friday. -14 for tomorrow morning, but warming to -7 as a day time high. There are some flurried expected, but not a lot of accumulation. Only a few centimeters.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing was seen today, but skies were obscured in many areas. There could have been a small cycle in the alpine as the winds started.

Snowpack Summary

We often have a distinct weather pattern each season, and this year it is abnormally strong winds. Last night and earlier today we had alpine gusts at over 150km/hr, and valley bottom winds in the 30-40km range. Needless to say, there's yet another layer of wind slabs in open areas and widespread wind effect near ridges. Lots of exposed rock and gravel out there right now too. Having said that, there are still sheltered areas that but up to the main ranges that will likely hold snow.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

These are widespread in any open terrain. If the snow texture becomes "cakey" underfoot or sounds hollow, choose low angle terrain. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5