Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 26th, 2014–Jan 27th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

The basal weak layers are giving low confidence in the snowpack. Although hard to trigger, any avalanche that is initiated could be large and destructive. Cooler temps should reduce the solar triggered avalanche activity, but keep an eye on this.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunny conditions expected Monday with temperatures near -9 degrees. Winds will be light to moderate from the North. No snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar up to 15mm in sheltered areas below 2000m. Sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. Variable wind slab at all elevations and all aspects except SW and W. Basal facets/depth hoar persist.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are widespread on lee and cross-loaded features at Treeline and above. Concern for human triggering remains in shallow snowpack areas and convex/unsupported terrain.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October layers and involve the entire winters snowpack. Wide propagations are possible. Shallow snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6