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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 16th, 2020–Dec 17th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Kananaskis.

Strong winds and snow on the way. Approach tree line with this in mind. Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is forecast to bring 10-15cm of snow, along with strong SW winds and a temperature of -7c in the alpine. Expect fresh wind slabs to begin forming.

Avalanche Summary

Only some spindrift was observed out of steep cliffs.

Snowpack Summary

Thursday is expected to bring 10-15cm of snow for a total of about 30-40cm of loose snow that is starting to move around in the alpine. The concern now is when this turns into a fresh wind slab, it will be sitting on top of the December 8 crust which will be about 30-40cm down. This 0.5cm crust was formed during the warm spell 10 days ago and is quite a smooth surface for a slab to release on. Approach tree line and lee features with your radar on. With all this snow and wind coming, cornices will begin to grow.

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.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

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. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3