Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 10 – 11, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Warm temperatures, new snow, and Extreme winds are changing the snowpack. Give the snowpack time to adjust to the changes. Good riding can still be found in Wind sheltered locations low down in the terrain

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wide spread wind event happening in the Kananaskis region right now. Strong snow transport at ridge top's and even gusty conditions down in the valley. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2.5–3.5

     This layer is still on the radar. While not reactive to natural triggers in recent days, this layer could produce very large avalanches if triggered. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to unpredictable avalanche behavior.

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures -4, Extreme West winds and up to 5cm expected for tomorrow. Clouds will be in and out all day tomorrow

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today on a road patrol. The lack of natural avalanche activity gives pause to the forecasters. As large amounts of new snow and winds are prime recipe for a natural cycle. Human triggering is likely in wind affected area's

Snowpack Summary

The storm snow 50-60cm is settling with the warmer temperatures and continues to be blown by the unrelenting winds the last couple days. Proud features are stripped bare along the Spray and almost all snow surfaces have some sort of visual wind effect. 

Regions covered