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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 1st, 2022–Feb 2nd, 2022
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Excellent skiing in sheltered areas, but don't let your guard down with the recently formed wind slabs. The recent snow is not bonding well with the previous surfaces.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Break out the woolies once again! Wednesday will start near -35 and "warm" up to -20. Windchill could be a major factor as winds increase through the day, ending up in the strong range from the W or NW by mid-afternoon. Expect a mix of sun and cloud and no new snow.

Thursday and Friday will be relatively balmy with temps near -10.

Avalanche Summary

Several naturally triggered loose dry avalanches were observed in steeper Alpine terrain. These slides were up to size 2.0 and occurred on SE, E, N and NE aspects.

Snowpack Summary

A few more cm's of snow in the past 24 hours adds to the 30+cm received Sunday night. In general, this new snow is not bonding well with the underlying surface, especially in areas with this previous surface was hard wind slab or sun crust. Fresh surface wind slabs 30 to 60cm thick are evident in the Alpine and just into treeline. Forecasters observed cracking in steeper terrain at 2400m on Monday. Lee and cross-loaded terrain is a concern for human triggering, and natural avalanche are possible.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The bond below the recent snow is not good, and forecasters are somewhat surprised that there hasn't been more avalanche activity associated with this layer. In recently wind affected terrain, human triggering is likely. Take the time to dig down and evaluate the slope you plan to ski. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5