Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2015–Jan 9th, 2015

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

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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Ski quality is still poor in the alpine. Treeline and below is the place to look for turns these days.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will rise to -8 tomorrow. The winds will light to moderate at all elevations, No snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

2 avalanches were noted: A sz2 on a steep E aspect & a sz2.5 on a steep, E asp in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasters made it up to 2300m today to inspect the alpine. The snow depth was 165cm's. The Dec 13th crust was there, but weak and decomposing. Stabillity tests showed a weakness down 50-60cm's on this crust. As expected, the winds have created windslabs 2400m and above. At lower elevations, the warm temperatures from yesterday did not have a huge impact. No new crusts formed.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Yesterday's wind created slabs on all eastern aspects. Some isolated natural activity suggests these are easily triggered. Be cautious in steep terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The windslabs sitting on the crust are a concern on steep, open areas at upper treeline.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 40 degrees.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This bottom layer has turned into a classic rockies base. It is weak in all areas. Caution in steep, shallow areas.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4