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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 8th, 2020–Dec 9th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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.

15-20cm of snow is expected overnight with strong winds forecast. Watch for conditions changing over the next 24hrs. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

The models all seem to agree that we should get 12-18cm of snow over the next 24hrs. Temperatures will be dropping back to more seasonal temperatures and winds easing at the higher elevations.   

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches up to sz 2 were observed in the forecast region. 

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps started the day on Tuesday and once again a crust related to rain was developed overnight up to 2300m. As the new snow moves in over the next 24hrs we expect a variety of different snow surfaces to get buried including windslabs, surface hoar, crusts related to last weeks warm temps and facets. Windslabs will be harder to see and we have to see how this new snow bonds to the underlying crust.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A fresh layer of wind slab is expected to build overtop of the previous hard windslabs, which are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.    

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. Any avalanche in the upper snowpack will likely scrub down to these layers

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3