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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 27th, 2020–Dec 28th, 2020

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.
Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Despite the drop in danger levels, cautious terrain selection is still in order. Wind slabs are highly variable, and could surprise a rider in steep terrain or lee loaded gully.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

 Monday will be a mix of sun and cloud with light to moderate SW winds at ridgetop. A cool morning will warm to near -7 by early afternoon. Most forecasts indicate that there is no new snow expected, but at least one model indicates occasional light flurries through the day.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed today.

Snowpack Summary

2 to 3cm of new snow overnight, adds to the 5cm that fell yesterday. Alpine areas are significantly affected by wind, with widespread wind slabs present. These are now somewhat disguised by the recent snow. The depth and character of these slabs is highly variable. Dig down and evaluate the recent interface before entering a line. The November crust layer has been active in a few recent avalanches which indicates it's potential if overloaded. This layer is also highly variable in character, and will be on our minds for some time to come.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.