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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 15th, 2021–Jan 16th, 2021

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

Regions

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. Alpine areas right into open tree line features have be very wind affected. Cornices are a growing concern and have started to become more active. Watch as you move into open places to see what the snow feels like under foot. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wind were light today to 2350m but still moderate W wind right at ridge top and blowing trough mountain pass into tree line. Winds are forecasted to stay steady at 40km a ridge line into tomorrow. Mix of sun and clouds with mild temps for the next few days, new snow in the forecast. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today in the field. The old fracture lines from the cycle in the storm are getting filled in by the wind transport.

Evidence of a very large cornice failure running to valley bottom over 48hrs ago.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread windslabs were observed in alpine terrain and also in open areas at tree line, the storm interface down 20-40cm has been tightening up and not near as reactive to compression test and ski cutting. The slab varies from Hard slab to soft slabs, would still use caution when approaching slopes with wind affect. The midpack is generally well settled over November crust that is not producing much in results in the test pits.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.