Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 1 – 2, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Look to sheltered areas for good skiing. All Alpine areas have been heavily wind affected. Warm and sunny conditions on Wednesday could lead to some snowballing on steep solar aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. It is now buried anywhere from 30 to 100cm deep and it could be sensitive to human triggering in steep or unsupported terrain. Shallow snowpack areas may also be a trigger point.  

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is expected to be mainly sunny with moderate SW winds. Temperatures could climb to above the freezing mark by midday. No snow is in the forecast for at least the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

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.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.

Regions covered