Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 18 – 19, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

More wind on the way. Fair skiing can be found at treeline and below, in areas sheltered from the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Consistent, warm temps are helping the slabs to bond with the underlying layers. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Monday night, the temperature will drop down to -17c with a Tuesday high of -10c in the Alpine. Mainly cloudy for Tuesday, along with extreme west winds forecast by mid-day. Cooling trend expected for Wednesday. Sorry, but no snow in the horizon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the Burstall Pass area or when travelling along the Spray road.

Snowpack Summary

A skiff of snow covers the widespread wind slabs in the Alpine and into tree line. A test profile at Burstall Pass today revealed the sheers in the upper 50cm are tightening. Despite the wind slabs, the actual skiing was fair and you could stay on top of the surface without breaking through. The cornices right now are pretty large for this time of year. With the strong winds coming on Tuesday, be on the lookout for new wind slabs forming.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Regions covered