Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 20 – 21, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wind slabs in open terrain above treeline are still the primary concern.  Daytime heating issues are less of a concern now with cooler temps across the forecast area.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Variable thickness windslabs  dominate the snowpack at and above treeline.  These slabs remain sensitive to human triggering although natural avalanche activity has declined.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    3–6
    Large whumpfs  with associated cracking through the snowpack continue to be observed in areas at and below treeline.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Cooler temps re minimizing the daytime heating issues.  Only trace amounts of new snow expected over the next few days and daytime highs in the Alpine elevation zone are forecast to remain below the freezing mark with mainly clear skiy conditions.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Little change over the past 24 hours - a little more wind but generally light.  melt-freeze crust on on solar aspects up to 2400m.  Main concerns remain unchanged - weak basal facets with 4F-!F hardness above which is susceptible to human triggering in areas where the snow cover is thin.

Regions covered