Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 14th, 2021–Jan 15th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Caution with the wind slabs and lee loaded slopes. Although we did not get a lot of new snow from this storm, The intense wind transport has created an assortment of new problems. Winds slabs and loaded features. Approach these areas cautiously and watch for over head hazards.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Back to a High pressure system cooler temps today in the field high around -7°C, Wind were calm today to 2300m but still am moderate W - NW wind right at ridge top. No new snow in the forecast and winds expected to increase for Friday as the warmer air moves back in. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today just more evidence of the storm cycle. We did see one slide that had good propagation starting in a steep feature just below a cliff band up to size 3. No evidence of any of the slides steeping down to the Nov. layer.

One newer cornice failure from mt. Buller

Snowpack Summary

Widespread windslabs were observed in alpine terrain and also in open areas at treeline that are failing down 30-40cm at the recent storm snow interface. The slab varies from Hard slab to soft slabs. The midpack is generally well settled over November crust that is not producing much in results in the test pits.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.