Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
Be aware of the impact of solar radiation and warm temperatures. This is a big change from the -30's of last week and it will take some time for the snowpack to adjust.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Dry
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Be cautious in steeper terrain. Increased solar input and warm temperatures will lead to more frequent sluffing on solar aspects. Ice climbers need to be aware of overhead terrain and how it impacts their route.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
- Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.
Avalanche Summary
A few small loose dry avalanches from very steep terrain in the Alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Surface faceting continues and surface hoar growth in sheltered areas. Minor pin-wheeling in steep solar aspects. Variable wind slab conditions in the Alpine including bullet-proof hard slab, recently formed soft slabs and buried wind slabs. The Dec 15th surface hoar remains a layer of concern, but due to the lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been overly reactive. In the lower third of the snowpack the November and October rain crusts are facetting and remain on the radar for future potential avalanche problems.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures climbing to near the freezing mark. Winds will be light from the west. Freezing levels will climb to between 1800 and 2000m for the next couple of days.
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Wind slab conditions are highly variable, including hard slabs, soft slabs and buried slabs. Watch for human-triggerable slabs in steep terrain on all aspects, and take the time to evaluate localized conditions.