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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2021–Feb 24th, 2021
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.

Winds are forecast to increase on Wednesday which will make new windslabs more reactive in the Alpine and at treeline so conservative terrain and choices are a good thing over the next few days. Give the new snow a chance to stabilize. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday it looking to be a mix of sun and cloud with cold temps in the morning near -20C then improving to -10C by mid day. Winds will being to increase throughout the day into the moderate to strong range out of the west. Light snowfall is forecast over the next few days but accumulations are not expected to be significant on wednesday. 

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of avalanches up to sz 2 were noted but fracture lines were quickly being blown in making estimations about the depth of many of these avalanches challenging. It appeared most slides were around 40cm deep and at most 60m wide. 

Snowpack Summary

The recent snow has been affected by the strong winds on friday forming windslabs in open alpine terrain and isolated areas at treeline. These slabs are 10-20cm thick where observed today but forecasters were being conservative in treeline features. Moderate sheers were noted within the upper storm snow and no reactivity was observed on the Jan 29th interface down 70cm. The big concern now is windslabs in the alpine in open areas. If you feel drummy or hollow snow start seeking conservative terrain or supported low angles slopes.   

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

10-40cm thick windslabs can be found at treeline and above. At treeline these slabs are not as widespread so keep a keen eye on recent wind affect. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5