Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 20 – 21, 2019Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Good skiing can be found  in sheltered areas.  Ice climbers be aware of loose dry avalanches from above.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Expect to find wind slabs at all elevations. The depth and sensitivity to triggering are highly variable across the forecast region.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    Extensive sluffing from steeper terrain was observed flowing into skiable areas.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3
    If you have not seen this layer,  take the time to dig a pit.  This layer will be very distinctive.

Weather Forecast

Monday is forecast to bring a mix of sun and cloud, an alpine temperature of -8c along with light winds from the NW.  Tuesday will cool off to -13 and be mostly overcast with strong winds from the West.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches up to size 2 occurred today.  One was witnessed in a steep alpine bowl along highway 40.

Confidence

High -

Snowpack Summary

About 10-15cm of snow has fallen in the past 3 days providing good skiing in sheltered areas. This new snow has covered the January 17 surface hoar which is mostly found in open areas up to tree line.  This recent snow has caused numerous natural loose avalanches within our region.  Ice climbers should be aware of open slopes above them.  Some soft slabs can be found in open areas from Saturday's wind event. The bottom 50-60cm of basal facets is still the major concern in the snow pack and will be for a long time.

Regions covered