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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 6th, 2021–Jan 7th, 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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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.

A few cms of snow fell on Wednesday but not enough to cause a big change in danger levels. Watch for windslabs as you move up into treeline and above. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Cooler temperatures are moving into the region for the next few days. Unfortunately no new snow is expected and winds are gonna be light for a change!!!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed on Wednesday but visibility was limited. 

Snowpack Summary

Lots of variability within the upper snowpack currently with some areas highly wind affected and others with 25cm of low density snow on the surface. Being heads up for these windslabs up to 40cm deep is the key thing to note. As you transition into wind affected terrain look and feel for the surface of the snow to become wind affected. We did see some light to moderate SW winds on Tuesday moving snow around but it felt like the first day not in a hurricane. In some areas the overhead cornices look large and looming so be sure to keep your head looking up. Otherwise the midpack in the region continues to settle and strengthen with the basal november crust near the ground still in our minds despite no recent avalanches on this interface. Thin areas are places to tread carefully as you may awaken the basal layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Lots of variability on these windslabs. They are less widespread at treeline and below. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5