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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2022–Feb 21st, 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.

The new snow is a welcome change! But be mindful of fresh wind slabs as you transition to the Alpine. The bond at the recent storm snow interface is suspect, and human-triggering is a concern in certain terrain.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Monday will bring some light flurries (up to 3cm), with a mix of sun and cloud later in the day. Temps will be chilly ranging from -22 to -27 at treeline with light to moderate NE winds. Expect nasty wind chill values!

A cold front will push through the region on Tuesday with clearing skies and temps between -35 and -22C.

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.0 wind slab was observed on a steep south aspect at 2450m. This slab was 20cm thick and did not run far. A few small loose dry avalanches were also observed in steep terrain at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 35cm of recent storm snow has fallen at treeline in the last two days. This snow overlies widespread wind effect at all elevations and sun crust in steep solar features. Field teams today found that the bond at the storm snow interface is variable, ranging from poor to good. Above 2400m the recent variable winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects. The slabs were not reactive to ski cutting today, but they could be a problem over the next few days.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slab formation is on-going. Watch for these slabs on all aspects due to variable winds. These slabs are sitting on either a crust or a hard wind layer, and will be sensitive to human triggering in steep and unsupported terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2