Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 20 – 21, 2015Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The forecast suggests a stabilizing trend, but stay tuned in for the trouble layers. Local conditions may vary from place to place.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The distribution of this layer is largely unknown. It is worth hunting for it in a few areas to track it before committing to your line. Dig deeper than normal for a thorough inspection.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This problem is easily tracked and assessed. Open areas at treeline are more suspect.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    This weak basal layer is everywhere. Caution in thin areas, and/or areas with a rocky base.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Alpine temps will rise tomorrow. They will settle into the -10 to -8 range by tomorrow afternoon. Winds will be out of the NW and generally moderate. No new snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations today.

Snowpack Summary

No new snow today. The buried surface hoar layer is a concern. Its depth varies considerably from area to area. At treeline, it may be down as much as 30cm. The two other persistent problems are deeper, but not as concerning at the moment. The Dec 13th will be down 60cm at treeline and the Nov 6th will be just above the ground. Average snow depths range from 60cm at valley bottom to 110 at treeline.

Regions covered