Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 13 – 14, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

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

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    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.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–5
    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.

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.  

Regions covered