Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 13 – 14, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A strong westerly flow over the next 48 hours will bring above normal temperatures and the combination will further promote the formation of windslabs which are becoming more reactive to light loads such as a skier.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Widespread skier triggerable windslabs exist in the alpine and treeline elevation zones.  These slabs may be sensitive to the weight of a skier so use caution when entering areas where you suspect this condition exists. Utilize safe travel techniques

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–6
    This is a longstanding problem - be aware that any avalanche may step down into the deeper basal weaknesses and involve the entire winters snowpack as has already occurred in some areas.

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Snowfall is expected to end by early Tuesday with a High pressure system pushing in from the west.  A strong chinook flow will bring max temps well above normal for most of the forecast area with strong winds continuing over the next 48 hours - wind slab formation will continue.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed due to obscured sky conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Obscured sky conditions limited observations regarding wind transport along ridgetops. Perfect combo of new snow, wind and mild temps creating new windslabs with variable thickness depending upon location and amount of snow in fetch zones.

Regions covered