Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
New snow is improving ski quality. Remember that the windslabs will become harder to detect as they get buried by the new snow.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Avalanche Problem 2: Deep Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Large triggers are a concern. Cornices, and small avalanches are likely triggers.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry avalanches were noted in the alpine today. They all initiated in cliff terrain and only involved the storm snow. Up to sz2. Some ran further than expected given the modest 10cm snowfall.
Snowpack Summary
We received 10-15cm of low density snow last night. The southern areas received the bulk of it, while the northern areas escaped the full up-slope punch. There was some wind associated with the storm, but only enough to create very soft windslabs. These slabs appear to be on all aspects above 2300m. While this snow certainly helps the ski quality, in most alpine and treeline areas, the windslabs are still felt while traveling. The windslabs are our main concern at the moment. Expect to find breakable slabs, hard slab and the occasional area of soft snow. Ski quality is better below treeline where the windslabs have facetted (weakened) out.
Weather Forecast
More flurries tonight and tomorrow will bring another 10cm by tomorrow afternoon. Winds will remain light in the alpine, and basically calm at treeline and below. Temps will be -17 consistently for the next day or two.
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The buried windslabs will keep skiers on their toes. They are everywhere and of variable hardness. Watch them closely in the alpine as the hard slab becomes more widespread. Shallow areas should be treated with caution.