Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 11 – 12, 2015Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

The warm weather is taking a toll on our snowpack. Ski quality is poor and avalanche hazard is expected to vary with the warm temperatures and sun. Not a great time to be out in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    These will become more triggerable with the warm temps.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    With no overnight refreeze we can expect this problem to start early in the day at treeline and below treeline. Wet slabs may become a problem as well. Avoid steep solar aspects if the sun comes out.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    As the snowpack warms up, remember that this layer will be easier to trigger. Cornices, loose wet, wet slabs are all potential triggers at this point.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

The warm weather will linger overnight. The freezing level will hover around 2000 for the next 24hrs. Tomorrow will be warm and windy with no new snow.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated loose wet avalanches were noted from steep solar aspects in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

The warm temperatures have started to have a sustained effect on the snowpack. By noon today, the valley bottom was moist and isothermal by mid-afternoon. Treeline and lower alpine elevations also have moist surface snow on all aspects. Southern aspects are suffering from the same soar effect, but the cloud cover has helped slow it down.

Regions covered