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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 17th, 2021–Jan 18th, 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
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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Wind slabs are still dominating our region. Ski quality isn't the best ever, but hey, it's a Pandemic. Just the fact that we get to go skiing is a great thing! Poor turns are better than no turns!

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will hover around -8 tomorrow until the late afternoon. Beyond that it will cool off to -18 or so by midnight. As the temperatures fall, the winds will calm (yes, you read that right) at all elevations. As for snow, don't hold your breath. There may be a few flurries, but the re-set we're all craving is a long way off.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing was seen today. 

Snowpack Summary

I wish I had better news, but the widespread wind effected snow is still the main feature of our snowpack. A profile near Purple Knob had a well settled mid pack with the Nov 5th down 165cm and a surprising lack of depth hoar or facets near it. It seems the warm snowpack temperatures have kept the bottom layers from "rotting" out and becoming weak. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Consistent, warm temps are helping the slabs to bond with the underlying layers. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5