Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Nov 28 – 29, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Very poor avalanche conditions at the moment. With continued snow and rain, expect the avalanche hazard to remain high. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Almost Certain
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Warm snow and wind has formed fresh slabs everywhere. Avoid steep convex or thin terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    This layer was overloaded today and reacted accordingly. We are thinking it will take a few days and cooler temperatures to for it to adjust.  

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Snow and rain will taper tonight and stop by the 4 or 5am. The freezing level is all over the place right now, so predicting rain or snow is tricky. According to the forecast, we will get 4-6 cm yet. Temperatures will fall as the storm blows itself out, which is a good thing. The snowpack will refreeze and tighten up. Alpine winds will drop from extreme, but still be strong and from the west. 

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle occurred today. Visibility was limited, but sizes were up to sz3 and running full path. 

Snowpack Summary

Rain and wet snow was the theme of the day. We had reports of rain as high as 2500m for a short period. Any snow that came in, came in wet and heavy with winds. Windslabs developed very quickly, which did trigger a natural cycle. At the moment, we are unsure of the crust's condition and reactivity, but its hard to think it would be anything other than stressed and touchy. At the time of writing this, it was still raining in the Bow Valley and Spray Road. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Regions covered