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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2022–Jan 3rd, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Expect fresh wind slabs to form with the incoming snow and strong winds. Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. Approach Tree line and the Alpine with caution.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Monday: Expect 10-15cm of snow with a steady temperature of -10c. Winds are forecast to be strong from the SW so expect some of that snow to be exported to Saskatchewan or added to our wind slabs in the alpine.

Tuesday: Another 8cm of snow with a temperature of -15c and this time we'll keep the snow with the winds diminishing. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.  

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds over the last 2 days have created widespread wind slabs in the alpine and open areas of tree line. Tuesday is forecast for snow and strong SW winds which will only add to the wind slab problem. The December 2 crust is down 60-90cm and has been rotting out with facets on both sides of the crust. This is starting to be more on our radar because we are starting to get a much denser layer over the Dec 2 crust. Take the time to dig and see what the layers are doing.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.

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.