Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 2 – 4, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

This latest storm has dropped 25cm of snow along with strong winds. Rain up to 2100m. Approach all terrain with caution and investigate how the new snow is bonding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    The new load will stress this layer. Let it settle and avoid exposure to big terrain. Any storm slab that releases has the potential to wake up this layer.

Confidence

Low -

Weather Forecast

Monday is to bring mainly cloudy skies with 5cm of snow. Temperature will climb to -12c by mid day and drop to -23c by Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to be light from the SW and increasing for Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 2 avalanches were observed along the Spray Road. The most impressive was the avalanche control on EEOR (Mt. Rundle). Five out six charges that were dropped created avalanche and covered the road. Road will be closed to at least 4pm on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

The rain over the week end penetrated the snow pack up to about 2100m and created a crust on the surface when the temperature dropped.Above 2100m, there was up to 25cm of new snow. Extensive winds were associated with the storm and has left widespread wind slabs in the alpine and into tree line. Below 1700m, the snow pack was still wet below the surface crust. Please stay tuned this week as we get a handle on how this recent storm is bonding and how the snow is reacting. Right now, things are reactive out there and the alpine and tree line should be approached with caution.

Terrain and Travel

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Regions covered