Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 23rd, 2021–Jan 24th, 2021

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Below Threshold.

Treeline

Below Threshold.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Well very little change. Beautiful weather and if you are in the sun the temperatures are quite nice, good travel and big views. Continue to watch the wind slabs while out traveling around, They will be changing with the cold weather.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The forecast is saying cold for a few more days. In the sun it makes the temps feel manageable. Still today there was an inversion hope that continues. No real snow in the forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind effect is the major theme for the next while. Until we get more snow, the windslabs will be a problem. The good news is that the cold temps are helping to break them down. If the cold does last, remember to check in on the deeper layers as they will start to break down and become weaker.

Terrain and Travel

Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.