Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 2 – 3, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Cold temperatures will continue for awhile. Be sure to respect the consequences of even a minor incident.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–6
    The mid pack had gained considerable strength in the last while. It is doing a good job of bridging the basal weak layer.  Thin areas are the likely trigger point for this layer.  Assess bigger terrain carefully.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Cloudy skies tomorrow with temps similar to today. No snow. The change in wind is important. They will pick up and swing to the a northerly flow. Wind chill is worth some consideration.

Avalanche Summary

Unlike the neighboring areas, the windslab from the last snow are thin and inconsequential. The odd pocket of very small, reactive slabs were noted today. More of a concern for climbers. No significant avalanches noted.

Snowpack Summary

Variable is the best word to describe the snowpack right now. Surface snow is either exposed sun crust, wind slab,  hard slab(hard to hold a ski edge) or a skiff of snow from last week's flurry. Sheltered, north aspects still held dry snow. As for the midpack, in the alpine and treeline it is supportive for ski traffic. Below treeline it is still weak, but supportive in most areas. No change in the lower layers.

Regions covered