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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 18th, 2021–Feb 19th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

A mild weather system is approaching for this week end. Keep an eye out for shifting winds and new wind loading.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Ridgeline winds will pick up tonight and settle to about 30km/hr from the west by mid day tomorrow. Temperatures will start at -15, but rise to -9 for a day time high. By noon we are expecting clouds to move in followed shortly after by light flurries. This is setting the stage for a gradual warm up over the next few days that will also see some fresh snow arrive by Sunday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Fast and loose. The snowpack is facetted with weak surface snow, which is making for fast skiing as the snowpack warms up. We are also finding subtle windslabs on rolls at treeline, many of which are from the cold, sinking/downflow winds of the cold snap last week. While not reacting, they are sending the odd shiver down our back. It feels as though they want to move but they just aren't. The midpack is still solid and sitting on a decent base. Winds did pick up today at treeline and alpine elevations, we may see fresh windslabs on easterly aspects.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for windslabs around ridgelines and in steeper unsupported features. As winds increase we will see fresh slabs in immediate lee areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5