Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 27 – 28, 2019Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for new windslabs in alpine terrain from the recent snow. Clear skies are forecast on Thursday so watch for intense solar radiation and decreases in stability.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    Isolated windslabs in alpine terrain that have formed with the recent snow and winds. Check the bond with the underlying crusts.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    As conditions warm up, watch for wet slabs to start on solar aspects.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer becomes a concern when the melt/freeze crust breaks down with solar radiation or warming.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15cm of snow has fallen over the past 48hrs with light occasional gusting into moderate SW winds. This new snow has fallen on top of a previous melt freeze crust that developed during last weeks heat wave. The main concerns at this time are isolated thin wildslabs in alpine terrain that are overlying the previous melt freeze crust as well as concerns associated with the deep persistent weak base. The freezing level on Wednesday climbed to 2200m with some moist snow being found below this elevation. Untracked areas at treeline and below are weak isothermal.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

The pulse of recent snow is beginning to end and we are moving into more of a clearing trend for the next few days. Temperatures are forecast to be around -10C overnight and then tomorrow warming up to around +5 with freezing levels around 2200m. Clear skies are forecast so be aware that as the sun comes out and solar radiation increases stability will decrease. These decreases are most apparent on steep solar aspects, especially in thin or rocky terrain. Pay attention to the aspect you are on/under and the time of day. Early starts are key at this time of year.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches on steep northern aspects were observed but no new slab avalanche activity. Observations were limited due to cloud cover and conditions.

Regions covered