Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 25 – 26, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We've changed to MOD in the alpine. This does not mean the radar can be turned off, it does allow for large avalanches. Inspect the snowpack carefully before committing to larger terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    These have been an issue in steep convex terrain and below cliffs. Cross-loaded areas at upper treeline and alpine could be freshly loaded with the recent wind.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The buried hardslab is the concern here. Probing with a ski pole is the best way to monitor its location. Expect wide propagations if it does get triggered.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    We are approaching the "low probability, high consequence" phase of the winter. Respect the potential for this layer to react to large triggers, or weak shallow areas.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries tomorrow. Westerly winds at 15km/hr and a high of -16°.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new was noted today.

Snowpack Summary

Not a lot of change in the last 24hrs. There has been no new snow and the snowpack has settled slightly in the last day. The winds did pick up today causing some snow transport in the alpine, but not enough to negatively impact the avalanche hazard. A buried suncrust is evident at low elevations and solar slopes up to 2200m. The basal layers remain the main concern and tend to be down 80-100cm from the surface.

Regions covered