Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 16 – 17, 2018Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Good skiing was found in sheltered areas.  We are in for a change.  Strong winds are expected until Thursday, thus creating wind slabs into tree line.  Snow on the way starting Wednesday night.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Strong winds are expected to continue until Thursday.  Expect wind slab development to continue.  We will probably start to see wind slabs at tree line.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
      This layer is very prominent at treeline and more variable in the alpine. This layer is 50-70cm down. Take the time to dig and assess this layer as it is sitting on top of facets.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is suppose to bring cloudy skies with isolated flurries.  55-80km/h SW winds are expected to start Tuesday night and continue through to Thursday.  Temperatures in the alpine for Wednesday should reach -4c.  Periods of snow are expected for Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar is continuing to grow on the surface and could become an issue if Thursday snowfall is of great amounts. Some wind effect at tree line was observed.  Jan 6 SH layer is mostly found below 2200m and not much of a concern because of the lack of a slab.  The Dec 15 layer is variable in the alpine and more prominent at treeline.  The November crusts are starting to show some breakdown with more facets around the crust.

Regions covered