Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 1 – 2, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

We are not expecting the storm to be as vigorous as initially forecast, BUT backcountry travelers need to keep a close eye on localized conditions. The danger levels could easily spike to HIGH if more snow falls than we expect.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–4
    Avalanches could step down to the basal layers and involve the entire winters snowpack, especially in shallow snowpack areas. The approaching storm will add load to this weak layer and could lead to increased avalanche activity.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Moderate snowfall and strong West winds on Thursday will lead to storm slab formation on lee and cross-loaded features.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

10 to 15cm of snow expected on Thursday with westerly winds near 85km/h. Friday will also see 5 to 10cm of new snow and strong winds. Temperatures should range between -6 and -10 degrees for the next two days.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed.

Snowpack Summary

4cm of Hn in past 24hrs. Wind slabs are present in Alpine and Treeline areas on North, East and South East aspects. The basal weak layers from October are still the principal concern in the snowpack. Full depth avalanches are possible.

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