Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 6 – 7, 2017Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

We are facing another warm spell tomorrow through Saturday. Snow stability is directly related to temperature. The danger ratings may change drastically and with little notice if the forecast holds true.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    If/when the temperatures rise, expect the windslabs to become touchier.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Depending on when the warm air arrives, this layer may "wake up" as the surface slabs absorb the heat and weaken. South aspects will be more prone to localized weakening. Pay attention to temps and expect rapidly changing conditions.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    It is hard to say if this will be an actual problem. But it is easy to say it is should be on your radar. Steep south aspects would be the likely place to encounter them.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight alpine winds have continued to reverse load south aspects and strip the northwest sides. Windslabs are now on most aspects and extending below ridgelines. They are also found near the bottoms of large alpine cliffs. Treeline has seen little change as temperatures and winds have remained steady. At both elevations, the crusts are the main concern. However, limited avalanche activity suggests the crusts are still intact and generally well bonded. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The big story is the warm weather coming our way. Starting tonight, we are expecting freezing levels to steadily rise. By midday tomorrow the freezing level is expected to reach 2900m. We are also going to see clear skies for the day. Expect some solar input to influence the snowpack. The winds will range from 20-40km/hr at ridge top. The temperatures will remain warm throughout thursday night.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but observations were limited.

Regions covered