Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It looks as though we have one more day to go before the next storm arrives. As always, if the new snow comes early expect a quick increase in avalanche hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    The windslabs are stacked up on each other and may have weak layers hidden in between them.  

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    It is worth to dig a pit to ground to see the severity of this basal layer. If it hasnt yet slid, treat it with a high degree of suspicion and respect. If it goes, it will be big. 

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

A warm front is on the way and its scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. Temps will rise to -4 by mid afternoon, snow will start in the morning and winds will pick up as the day goes on. Most of the snow will come on Saturday. Tomorrow will only see 5-10cm and moderate winds out of the SW.

Avalanche Summary

nothing new today

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind affect at all elevations. The upper snow pack is a series of windslabs stacked on top of each other. They feel as though they are weakening (ie softening) with the recent flatline weather pattern. In a pit today, there was 135cm of snow, with the lower 30cm consisting of facets & depth hoar. Tests were inconsistent with the deep persistent layer. 

Terrain and Travel

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.

Regions covered