Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2017Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Cautious travel advised with these moderate ratings.  Extensive wind slabs  are touchy in places and if triggered can step down and bring the entire snow pack with it. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This last wind event was strong and widespread effecting most aspects from treeline and above.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    If this layers if triggered, there is a likelihood of entraining the entire snowpack with it causing a large avalanche.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The big concern is that if anything gets triggered within the snowpack, then the avalanche will step down to the weak basal facets and involve the entire winter's snowpack.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is showing a mix of sun and cloud with alpine high temperatures of -20c and NE winds of 15km/hr.  Outlook until Friday is mix of sun and cloud with temperatures between -11c and -22c.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind slabs on most aspects in alpine and open areas at tree line.  These wind slabs are sitting on a weak and faceted mid-pack and basal layer.  The snow pack at lower elevations is shallow and faceted throughout, thus not supporting the weight of a skier unless on previously established ski paths.

Regions covered