Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2019Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are expecting significant snow and wind by tomorrow afternoon.  Watch for rapid hazard changes if the amount of snow/timing varies from the forecast.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The alpine slabs are thick and widespread. Don't underestimate large triggers and thin areas as likely trigger points.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3
    In areas with greater than 120cm, this layer is less concerning. Conversely, the areas with less than 100cm (and there are many), are still hard to trust. Seek out the deeper snow!

Confidence

- Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Flurries will change to real snow by late afternoon tomorrow. Amounts vary, but we're hoping for 20-30 by saturday morning. True to form, the winds will accompany the incoming snow. Winds of about 40km (treeline) from the SW are the expected numbers. The temps will remain average (around-8), but fall off the chart by Sunday. Lows are expected to be around -30 by sunday night.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Wide spread wind effect in the alpine. Treeline is mostly broken down, facetted surface slabs with facets/depth hoar below. There are pockets of harder and likely reactive windslabs kicking around the more exposed areas, but for the most part the snowpack is improving from a hazard perspective despite getting weaker overall... a little counter intuitive. Valley bottoms are still on the skimpy side for coverage, but the upside is the lack of any avalanche problem.

Regions covered