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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 13th, 2021–Jan 14th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Not as much snow fell as forecast but the wind did arrive with intensity from the SW. Use caution as windslabs are widespread and human triggerring is likely. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

On thursday a cooler air mass is forcast to move into the region causing skies to clear and winds become more light out of northwest. Temperatures will be around -10C for the better part of the day and no new precipitation is expected until later in the week. 

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sz 2-2.5 avalanches were observed in alpine and treeline features on N and east aspects as well as avalanches likely caused by loose dry sluffing below cliff bands. All the observed avalanches occurred at the storm snow interface and not much evidence of any slides stepping down to deeper layers. 

Snowpack Summary

15-20cm of snow fell over the past 24hrs under the influence of strong SW winds and warm temperatures. Widespread windslabs are being observed in alpine terrain and also in open areas at treeline that are failing down 30-40cm at the recent storm snow interface. The midpack is generally well settled and the November crust today was unreactive in rutschlock test at 2200m.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.