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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 20th, 2019–Jan 21st, 2019
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
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
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
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

Regions: Kananaskis.

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

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.

Avalanche 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