Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2019 3:12PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. Ice climbers be aware of loose dry avalanches from above.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Monday is forecast to bring a mix of sun and cloud, an alpine temperature of -8c along with light winds from the NW. Tuesday will cool off to -13 and be mostly overcast with strong winds from the West.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches up to size 2 occurred today. One was witnessed in a steep alpine bowl along highway 40.

Snowpack Summary

About 10-15cm of snow has fallen in the past 3 days providing good skiing in sheltered areas. This new snow has covered the January 17 surface hoar which is mostly found in open areas up to tree line. This recent snow has caused numerous natural loose avalanches within our region. Ice climbers should be aware of open slopes above them. Some soft slabs can be found in open areas from Saturday's wind event. The bottom 50-60cm of basal facets is still the major concern in the snow pack and will be for a long time.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

If you have not seen this layer, take the time to dig a pit. This layer will be very distinctive.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

Expect to find wind slabs at all elevations. The depth and sensitivity to triggering are highly variable across the forecast region.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Extensive sluffing from steeper terrain was observed flowing into skiable areas.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2019 2:00PM