Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 26th, 2016–Jan 27th, 2016

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

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

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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Continued wind and natural activity tells us the snowpack hasn't stabilized just yet. Stick to conservative terrain for now.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precip. -7 as an alpine low and 2500m winds from the west, 55-60km/hrTomorrow: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine high of -4. West winds at 50km/hr.

Avalanche Summary

2 slab avalanches were noted today. They ranged in size from 1-1.5. Both of them were on an east aspect and alpine terrain. There was also 1 loose dry noted out of a steep snow slope. Possibly cornice triggered

Snowpack Summary

Extreme alpine winds from the west have kept the transport going. Most high areas have been stripped of snow on windward aspects, but some lower areas have seen some slab growth over the last 24hrs. At treeline, expect a supportive snowpack with wind slabs in any open terrain. Having said that, in shallow areas, the weak snow is still producing the occasional loose dry "facalanche" out of steep terrain. Very little change below treeline in terms of the snowpack. It is still weak and un supportive in many areas. Snow depth seems to be the key to supportive traveling. Metre plus areas have a better feeling snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Natural activity tells us these haven't healed up just yet. Watch for them as you approach open terrain or ridges.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

This interface will be down 20-30cm at the alpine/treeline boundary. Local windloading may put it even deeper. Be sure to inspect this interface as you travel.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4