Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 5 – 7, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Highlights

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas between 2000m and 2300m. The alpine has extensive wind slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Wind slabs of varying density are everywhere at upper elevations and range in thickness from 10 to 50cm. Human triggering is most likely in steep, convex and/or unsupported terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    This is the bottom 40cm of the snow pack (November crust/facet combo). There is potential for a surface wind slab to step down to this weak layer creating a very large slide.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Thursday and Friday's forecast are pretty much the same: A mix of sun and cloud with light westerly winds. Overnight lows of -11c and daytime highs of -6c in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind slabs of varying thicknesses in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. 5 to 10cm of recent snow overlies a thick and supportive rain crust at lower elevations. This crust disappears at 2050m. Look to sheltered areas between 2300 and 2000m for soft snow and good skiing. The wind slabs in the alpine still need some time to heal.  

Regions covered