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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2020–Feb 16th, 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
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.

Despite strong west winds over the past few days at upper elevations, we are still finding good skiing in sheltered areas. Expect to encounter windslabs along ridgelines and crossloaded features up to 40cm thick.  

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Pretty stable weather the next few days. Flurries will continue with max accumulations around 10cm. Winds will begin to get more light to moderate out of the NW and temperatures will be in the -10C range. Pretty much a mix of sun and cloud in the sky. No big storms on the horizon.....

Avalanche Summary

No new slab avalanches were observed. A few new loose dry avalanches out of steep unskiable terrain up to sz 1 were observed. 

Snowpack Summary

An additional 10cm has fallen over the past 24hrs bringing recent totals up to 20cm in Alpine areas. Winds have been variable and as a result, windslabs up 40cm are being found in alpine areas along ridgelines and crossloaded gully features. Some isolated cracking was observed, in steeper unsupported areas. Despite no recent activity, the basal layers are still constantly in our minds. Thin weak areas are likely trigger points for initiation on this interface. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs up to 30cm thick should be expected in alpine areas. Due to the variable winds of late, these slabs are being observed on all aspects. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Cornices

These will likely trigger slabs below the ridges and possibly trigger the deeper layers. If this happens, expect a very large avalanche. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak basal layers are still a concern. An avalanche that occurred in the past 24 hours was a slide that stepped down to the basal layers and involved the entire snowpack. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5