Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 19 – 20, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

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

Pretty good skiing out there right now, but getting to it can be an exercise! Below treeline travel is still pretty rugged. Sluffing will be a concern in confined areas, avoid those features for atleast another day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs continue to grow at treeline and alpine. These are sitting on a weak layer of storm snow that has yet to settle.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Widespread, yet variable in terms of how strong it is. In most areas it is still strong and supportive, but in isolated areas, it is relatively weak.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

4 cm of additional snow expected overnight. A mix of sun and cloud tomorrow with no snow. -19 overnight, with a day time high of -10. Ridge winds will be light with variable direction.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but suspect some isolated wind slabs up to sz 1 in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5cm overnight brings our recent storm totals to 20-25cm at treeline. In wind prone areas at treeline, we're seeing a small, yet dense wind slab form. So far this is a minor concern, however it will become more significant with the increasing winds. The crusts are all present,  and in various states of decay. In some places they are still intact, and in others they have broken down. The alpine elevations saw moderate winds from all directions today. New windslabs will be present on most aspects as the winds shift to the east. 120cm of snow at treeline & the Nov 27th crust was down 40cm.

Regions covered