Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 17 – 19, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Good skiing can be found at most elevations.The alpine should be approached with caution as wind slabs can be found on all aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Windslabs up to 30cm thick should be expected in alpine areas. Due to the variable winds of late, these slabs are being observed on all aspects. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    The weak basal layers are still a concern. 

Weather Forecast

Tuesday is forecast to be a mix of sun and cloud. In the Alpine, expect the temperature to rise to -10c, along with light to moderate NW winds.  

Wednesday is expected to be warmer, mostly sunny and light NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Snowpack Summary

The alpine consists of about 20cm of recent snow and wind slabs. The recent variable winds have created some wind slabs in unusual places; be on the lookout for these as you transition into the Alpine, especially on lee features and cross loaded gullies. A strong mid pack sits on the November crust/facet layer that makes up the bottom 40cm of the snow pack. This layer could be triggered in thin areas in the alpine or by large loads.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Confidence

High -

Regions covered