Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 24th, 2018–Feb 25th, 2018

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

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Until we get more snow, ski conditions will remain challenging. On the upside, avalanche hazard is improving with each day.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tonight will be clear, with temps dipping to -18C and moderate ridge top winds. Tomorrow looks like another windy day up high. Gusts to 55km/hr are expected. There is a mild pulse of snow rolling through tomorrow morning. Only 6cm expected. Daytime high of -12.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing today

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline has really felt the cold. Any area that was loose snow prior to the cold is now weak and facetted. This isn't a bad thing, many windslabs have lost their cohesiveness thanks to that cold snap. At treeline the wind slabs are immediately noticeable once exposed terrain is reached. For the most part these slabs are thin and sometimes breakable. Steep, unsupported terrain may have reactive windslabs lurking, but for the most part the slabs are well bonded to underlying layers. The alpine. Judging from today's trip, it takes a brave soul to do battle with the current windslabs. They are widespread and either breakable or eerily hollow under foot. These feel as though they could be triggered from shallow, transitional areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Facetting is helping ease this problem at treeline. The alpine on the other hand is still covered in windslabs of varying densities.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern. It's safe to say we're in the "low probability/high consequence" situation.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5