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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 13th, 2021–Dec 14th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Another 5 to 10cm on the way Tuesday, which will do little to change the hazard levels. Steep and unsupported terrain at Treeline and above are a concern for human-triggering. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will see light flurries under mostly cloudy skies. Accumulations of between 5 and 10cm are expected. Winds will be generally light from the SW with temperatures reaching -7C. Wednesday looks to be similar with slightly cooler temps and maybe a bit more sun.

Avalanche Summary

A few smaller loose dry avalanches in very steep lee and cross-loaded terrain were observed today. The slab activity up to size 2.5 in steep Alpine terrain that was observed yesterday has tapered. No new slabs observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Between 40 and 60cm of recent storm snow remains mainly low density with little wind effect below 2400m. Above this lee and cross-loading is evident. At upper elevations a soft wind slab is producing isolated cracking along ridge crests, and it is expected that wind slabs are more sensitive higher in the Alpine especially on steep and unsupported terrain.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid steep, unsupported slopes.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.