Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 19 – 20, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recent windslabs and warm temperatures are in a push/pull phase now. Warmth promotes settlement & improvement, yet it may also make things touchier if it gets too warm. Pay attention to aspect/solar input and air temperature if you're in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    New wind slabs.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    If triggered the surface wind slabs may step down to this layer and involve the entire winters snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and windslabs are the headliners today. Valley bottom had above zero degree temps, while treeline snuck in at -2. This has/will help stabilize windslabs, but expect them to still linger on all east aspects. If temperatures rise, or if the sun comes out, these slabs will become touchier. No change to the weak base layers. Snow depths are holding steady at about 80cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Temperatures will fall tomorrow morning and settle at -8 by 8am. Daytime high will be -3 near the divide, likely above zero valley bottom. Winds will continue to be light out of the SW. Snow? Maybe a touch in the evening as a front moves through. Not enough accumulation to change anything for the better or worse.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Regions covered