Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Jan 3 – 4, 2019Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

We are expecting the natural avalanche cycle to continue over the next 24hrs.  Strongly encourage people to avoid all avalanche terrain at this time. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    Cracking and whumpfing indicated these slabs are very reactive to skiers as well as natural avalanche activity.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The basal layers are very weak. New snow and strong winds will overload the weak base and we are expecting a natural avalanche to continue.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Forecasts are calling for an additional 30-50cm of snow over the next 24 hrs with warmer temps and high winds.  Natural avalanches and human triggered avalanches are likely. 

Avalanche Summary

Visibility was limited all day and forecasters never got a good look into most start zones.  As a result, no avalanche activity was observed. 

Snowpack Summary

15-20cm of snow has fallen over the past 24hrs in the alpine with associated strong winds.  New windslabs are building in all open terrain that are reactive to skier traffic.  These windslabs are also failing naturally.  As the new snow falls the weak base will continue to be overloaded and we are expecting a natural avalanche cycle to begin over the next 24hrs.  Friday will be a good day to avoid avalanche terrain.

Regions covered