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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 15th, 2021–Dec 16th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Still good skiing to be had for the next few days. If you are venturing into the alpine, keep an eye out for windslabs in open areas. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Chilly temperatures again for tomorrow, but it looks like later in the week we'll dip well into the cold range. -17 to start the day tomorrow with a daytime high of -11. Friday morning could be as cold as -26. Mostly cloudy skies with a few flurries, but no significant accumulation. Light to moderate winds from the west all day tomorrow.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

The recent 50cm storm snow is showing evidence of a soft slab in some areas of tree line producing some hard test results on a density change 60cm down in the snowpack. The DEC 1, Nov 15 and Nov 5 crusts were easily found in a snow profile in the Commonwealth area at 2150m. Some faceting has started near the Dec 1 crust. In the alpine, expect more soft slabs at the surface, especially along ridge crests and cross loaded features. Take the time to dig and look at the upper snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid steep, unsupported slopes.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.