Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 20 – 21, 2017Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Recent winds and new snow have loaded lee features in the alpine.  Good skiing can be found throughout but should be approached with caution for wind slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs continue to grow and likely becoming stiffer in the alpine and lee features at treeline. These are sitting on a weak layer of storm snow that has yet to settle.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Widespread, yet variable in terms of how strong it is. In most areas it is still strong and supportive, but in isolated areas, it is relatively weak.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is expected to bring cloudy skies with flurries (5cm) and alpine temperatures of -10.  The wind should be steady around 20km/hr from the west.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed. 

Snowpack Summary

8cm of new snow overnight brings our storm snow to about 25-30cm at treeline and up to 40cm in the alpine. The winds have been transporting snow in the alpine all day, so expect wind slab development around ridges and lee features.  It is possible that this wind effected snow extends to tree line as yesterday had winds from all directions.

Regions covered