Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Nov 25 – 26, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. The strong winds are continuing so be aware of continued wind slab formation.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Watch for windslabs in alpine areas in the upper snowpack. Gullies and ridgelines are common areas to find these issues. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Recent test results indicate moderate to hard results on facets above the Nov crust layer.

Snowpack Summary

About 10-15cm of loose snow is sitting on top of a couple of generations of wind slabs which are generally starting to tighten up. In the Alpine, the winds have continued to be strong, so there is a concern for wind slabs, especially in lee features and gullies. The big concern is the November 5 rain crust which is down 50-80cm and up to 2500m depending upon the drainage you are in. In some places, there is up to 10cm of facets sitting on top of the Nov. crust and producing sudden planar results. So take the time to dig and see what this layer is doing. This layer will be on our radar as more snow will accumulate on it.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is forecast to be another windy day, mostly from the NW. Skies will be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of -8c.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5, mostly on E aspects.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Regions covered