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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 28th, 2020–Jan 29th, 2020
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

We are in a bit of a stagnant pattern until it snows. The danger rating is decreasing in alpine terrain but human triggerring is still POSSIBLE. 10-20cm of new snow is on the horizon for Saturday...

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures around -5C. Winds will be light in the Am and then increasing throughout the day. No significant precip is expected. 

Avalanche Summary

On the snow study helicopter flight today, we had an extensive look around and only found a few loose dry avalanches out of steep unskiable terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Today, we tagged along by helicopter with the crew that does monitoring of the snowpack for spring melt. To the East of highway 40, the bottom half of the snowpack is mostly facets with the height of snow around 100cm. The last week of warmer weather is having a slow effect on the snowpack with weaker temperature gradients and starting to see some of those mid-pack facets rounding. In general, we have a well settled snowpack with several generations of wind slabs in the top 50 cm in the alpine. All of this is still sitting on the November facet/crust combo. 

Terrain and Travel

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

There are several generations of wind slabs that need some more time to heal.  

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

It is worth to dig a pit to ground to see the severity of this basal layer. If it hasnt yet slid, treat it with a high degree of suspicion and respect. If it goes, it will be big. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5