Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 6 – 7, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Challenging travel below 2150m. Better skiing in the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    With forecasted NW winds, Reverse loading becomes a possibility. You may find windslabs where you normally would not.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2.5–3.5

    Treeline: The Dec 1 crust exists up to 2150M. Currently this is showing no results in tests. This may become a concern later in the season.

    Alpine: We are starting to find Basal Facets in the snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed. There are several older impressive ones out there.

Snowpack Summary

The key here is 2150m. Below this elevation, there are several crusts within the snowpack that have tightened up and are very supportive but challenging to ski. Once you ascend past 2150m, the crusts disappear and there is a generally well consolidated snowpack that skis well. Definitely be on the lookout for some wind effect in the alpine. 

An avalanche triggered on the surface has the potential to affect the basal facets for an even larger slide. Take the time to dig a pit and evaluate the snowpack. 

Terrain and Travel

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Regions covered