Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 1 – 2, 2018Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Even though the snowpack appears to be getting better, we have little confidence to explore into bigger terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    Wind slabs are extensive in the alpine dow to tree line.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3
    We have not seen many avalanches on this layer so far but the load is building and at some point, the scales will tip.

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Friday is to bring a mix of sunny skies with isolated flurries.  Alpine temperatures will be around -7c with west winds 50-60km/h.  More snow on the way for Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on our snow study flight.

Snowpack Summary

We had an extensive look around k-country today by helicopter, dug several pits and did not see any avalanche activity.  There is evidence of a lot of wind slab in the alpine and tree line. The January 6 surface hoar layer is down around 60-70cm and is still producing moderate test results but not as widespread as previous.  The December 15 SH is still very obvious in the snowpack and is found about 90cm down but in general not producing test results in our snow pits. The big concern though is that this interface is weak and if anything is triggered in the upper snowpack, it would likely step down to the Dec 15 layer.

Regions covered