Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 13th, 2013 9:26AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Alberta Parks burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

Precipitation and wind forecasts have been highly variable and we have received less snow and wind than predicted.  The new snow forecast for Thursday night will push us into a higher danger rating if it does show up - watch for rain effects to 2100m

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Winds strong west with freezing level forecast in the 2100m range (we have seen freezing levels rising to 2250m in the Burstall area Wednesday PM).  The area has received less new snow than the precip forecast predicted but there is another spike predicted for Thursday night with up to 15cm+ possible.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose, moist slides from steep lee terrain.  One Size 2 SSL NE aspect Mt Smith-Dorrien, no other details.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of new snow at treeline with temperatures rising above zero degrees so rapid settlement and slab formation.  Winds were generally light with occasional periods of strong southerly winds resulting in some redistribution of storm snow along ridgetops.  

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm slabs are developing along ridgetops at treeline and above.  A combination of above freezing temperatures, moist snow and rainfall up to 2100m will result in rapid slab formation.
Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Soft slabs and hard slabs are widespread in alpine and treeline areas. Natural avalanche activity has significantly reduced, but skier-triggering is possible in steep, convex and/or unsupported terrain.
Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 14th, 2013 2:00PM

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