Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 10 – 11, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Approaching storms will bring snow and strong winds to the region. As a result danger levels will rise for the first time in weeks. It is time to choose more conservative terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Thin wind slabs are possible in high Alpine areas immediately below ridge crests on N and E aspects. While only small avalanches are possible, these could be big enough to push a person over a cliff or into a terrain trap.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Stiff wind slabs still exist throughout the forecast area and these sit on the weak basal facets. Though difficult to trigger, this weakness could produce large avalanches. Thin snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 5cm of new snow is expected overnight. Tuesday will be windy with occasional light flurries and temperatures near -11. Wednesday could bring as much as 25cm of new snow. Strong west winds are expected to accompany this storm.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds today led to some redistribution of snow in high Alpine regions. Thin wind slabs are possible in immediate lee features on North through East aspects in the Alpine. Otherwise surface conditions include  surface hoar, facets, wind slab and sun crust. The mid pack remains supportive in most areas, but the basal weakness remains.

Regions covered