Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 14th, 2020–Dec 15th, 2020
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Kananaskis.

Conditions are changing. Expect wind slabs in the alpine with the strong SW winds that are forecast for Tuesday.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday is expected to have a high of -10c with 80km/h SW winds in the alpine. Snow is forecast to start around mid-day on Tuesday and could deliver upwards of 20cm by Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry were observed today in the Black Prince area and started in steep unskiable cliffs.

Snowpack Summary

Winds are expected to increase to 80km/h on Tuesday. Expect wind slabs in the alpine, especially just behind ridge crests and lee features. One concern with this slabbing is that it will sit on top on a 1cm crust that was formed 10 days ago during the warm spell and could release on this crust. Approach the alpine with caution and take the time to dig and look at this bond. The November 5 crust is about 60cm down and is showing faceting around it. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab can be found in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Some of these are very dense, hard slabs. When the winds pick up, expect new slabs to form quickly.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

There seems to be lots of variability with this layer. As always, thin areas transitioning to localized wind loaded pockets will be more sensitive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3