Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 2 – 3, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

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

Human triggered avalanches are still a concern despite the lack of natural activity.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Mostly 10cm thick slabs in open areas at all elevations.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    This persistent slab is dense and is sitting on top of a 10cm weak facet layer.  If this layer fails, it has the potential to trigger the deeper November crust.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Triggering is more likely in shallow snowpack areas and rocky features.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunny skies forecast for Tuesday with a high temperature of -20c and light winds form the Nortrh.

Avalanche Summary

One natural avalanche size 2 observed in steep unskiable terrain on an East aspect at 2600m.

Snowpack Summary

A wind slab on the surface up to 10cm is found mostly in open areas at all elevations. Our main concern in the snow pack is the persistent slab that sits on a 10cm facet layer(December 18th layer) approximately 35cm down. Our second concern is the November rain crust which is located in the lower third of the snowpack mostly below 2400m. Below tree line, the snowpack is mostly faceted and not very supportive to skier traffic.

Regions covered