Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 17 – 18, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Highlights

Steady winds have created new wind slabs to watch for. If the snow feels "cakey" beneath your feet or you punch through while walking, choose low angle terrain with no over head snow exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds are finally starting to make some fresh windslabs out there. As these build they will become more reactive and have larger consequenecs to skiers and boarders. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    There seems to be lots of variability with this layer. As always, thin areas transitioning to localized wind loaded pockets will be more sensitive.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

A cloudy day tomorrow with nothing for significant snow. Temps will be in the -8 to -5 range with gusty winds from the west. Expect gusts of 30km/hr.

Avalanche Summary

No field trip today, and nothing was seen on the drive along the Spray valley.

Snowpack Summary

Our storm didn't pan out last night, but the winds sure did! Lots of transport today with new slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. As the slabs grow, the Dec 8th layer may become reactive. It all depends on the specific loading pattern. Expect the Dec 8th to be down anywhere from 20-50cm. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.

Regions covered