Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 27 – 28, 2014Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Despite the MODERATE danger rating, concern remains for the weak basal layers. If an avalanche is triggered, it could go deep and wide. This is not the time to ski large and steep features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Wind slabs are widespread on lee and cross-loaded features at Treeline and above. Use caution is steep, convex and unsupported terrain, and be wary of shallow snowpack areas.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–6
    Avalanches could step down to the basal October layers and involve the entire winters snowpack. Wide propagations are possible. Shallow snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Mostly sunny on Tuesday with temperatures reaching near -8 degrees. A temperature inversion is expected with cooler temperatures in valley bottom. Winds will be moderate from the West and no precipitation is expected. Wednesday could see 10 to 15cm of new snow.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust is found on South and West aspects at all elevations. Surface faceting in all other areas due to cold temps. Previous wind effect and wind slab is evident at all elevations and all aspects, except South and SW in the Alpine. Profile today at 2200m shows a strong mid-pack, but basal weaknesses remain.

Regions covered