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Avalanche Forecast - Kananaskis Country   

Date Issued   Tuesday, 07 February 2012 4:19 PM      Valid Until    Wednesday, 08 February 2012 11:00 AM

Sun crusts up to 3cm thick have formed on solar aspects. Avalanche hazard will rise when these crusts break down with increased temperatures and solar radiation later in the day. Plan your trip accordingly. (JM)

Danger Rating: Wednesday Alpine Treeline Below Treeline
2 - Moderate Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
1 - Low Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
1 - Low Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Thursday Friday
Alpine 2 - Moderate 1 - Low
Treeline 1 - Low 1 - Low
Below Treeline 1 - Low 1 - Low
Confidence: -1 - -1
Learn more about danger ratings
Low Moderate Considerable High Extreme

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.
Loose Wet
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Loose wet slides on steeper solar aspects related to daytime warming and radiation. Sun crusts were breaking down by late in the morning on Tuesday. Timing is everything.
Wind Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Wind slabs from the various wind events earlier this season are easily found on N and E aspects. Steeper unsupported terrain features are still good places to use caution.
Deep Persistent Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Weak basal layers persist and if triggered from a weak area could cause a large destructive avalanche involving the entire winters snowpack. A recent size 2.0 avalanche associated with this layer indicates that failures are still possible.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
  • Make your travel plans to take advantage of overnight freezing.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Prepared by mike.koppang