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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 3rd, 2014–Mar 4th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Good travel conditions and fun skiing can be found in sheltered areas, especially since the recent cold temperatures kept the crowds away.  Be cautious in your route selection as large avalanches are still possible. 

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Temperatures were colder in the valley bottoms today than at higher elevations, but overall we are out of the deep freeze experienced this past weekend. With the milder temperatures we expect to have west winds in the strong to extreme range, followed by 15 cm of new snow and continuing extreme winds overnight on Tuesday and into Wednesday. 

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sluffs were observed on steep east facing rocky terrain up to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 10-15 cm of new snow was received over the weekend. Field tests show this new snow can be triggered with light to moderate loads, such as a skier. The Feb 10th persistent weak layer is still bonding poorly with the upper snowpack. Up to 80 cm of dense snow sits on top of this Feb 10th layer, which continues to produce shears but is supportive for trail breaking. Winds continue to create thin wind slabs in cross-loaded and reverse wind-loaded features at Treeline and above.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Feb 10 persistent weak layer is highly variable in nature (a mix of facets, sun crust, wind slab, surface hoar) and is still producing moderate to hard shears down 40 to 80cm in the snowpack. No cracking or whumpfing was observed today.
Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Storm Slabs

Easy to moderate shears at the base of the most recent snowfall. Observed up to 30 cm of new and windblown snow at TL on a windloaded slope.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2