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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 28th, 2021–Nov 29th, 2021
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Very poor avalanche conditions at the moment. With continued snow and rain, expect the avalanche hazard to remain high. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Snow and rain will taper tonight and stop by the 4 or 5am. The freezing level is all over the place right now, so predicting rain or snow is tricky. According to the forecast, we will get 4-6 cm yet. Temperatures will fall as the storm blows itself out, which is a good thing. The snowpack will refreeze and tighten up. Alpine winds will drop from extreme, but still be strong and from the west. 

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle occurred today. Visibility was limited, but sizes were up to sz3 and running full path. 

Snowpack Summary

Rain and wet snow was the theme of the day. We had reports of rain as high as 2500m for a short period. Any snow that came in, came in wet and heavy with winds. Windslabs developed very quickly, which did trigger a natural cycle. At the moment, we are unsure of the crust's condition and reactivity, but its hard to think it would be anything other than stressed and touchy. At the time of writing this, it was still raining in the Bow Valley and Spray Road. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Warm snow and wind has formed fresh slabs everywhere. Avoid steep convex or thin terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Almost Certain

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer was overloaded today and reacted accordingly. We are thinking it will take a few days and cooler temperatures to for it to adjust.  

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3