Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 5 – 6, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

It's getting tricky to find any good skiing. Where there is snow, backcountry users should be mindful of the consequences of even a small avalanche. The snowpack remains shallow with lots of hidden hazards just waiting to wreck your season.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.    

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. Any avalanche in the upper snowpack will likely scrub down to these layers

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring mainly sunny skies to the region with temperatures reaching -5c. Winds will be moderate from the SW at ridgetop and there is no snow in the forecast. Monday looks to be overcast, and Tuesday may finally bring us some fresh snow!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas have been heavily affected by the past week of strong winds and wind slabs are widespread at tree line and above. Ridges and ribs are stripped free of snow while lee and cross-loaded terrain have deep deposits of wind loaded snow. The November crust is down 30-100cm and is producing anywhere from moderate to no results. Moist snow has been seen on steep solar aspects...so expect a surface crust on these slopes.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Regions covered