Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 8 – 9, 2019Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New wind slabs are out there. Luckily the loading pattern is predictable, and limited to alpine and exposed treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Variable winds have left us with new windslabs in the alpine and upper treeline. A "pulling in the reigns" mindset will be the way to approach your ski day.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3
    This layer is a sleeper. It's just sitting there, waiting for something to wake it up. Respect its potential as these new wind slabs bond and the new snow load balances out.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Tomorrow will be similar to today. Mostly cloudy with a few flurries. Light winds at all elevations and temperatures ranging from -17 to -8. The week end appears to be consistent with this more seasonal weather pattern.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but skies were obscured most of the day.

Snowpack Summary

The last 24 hours has been windy in the alpine and treeline areas. The westerly winds have built new windslabs near ridges, and loaded many alpine bowls. Treeline also has new slabs, but not as widespread; they tend to disappear quickly below ridge lines. It's important to remember how bad the facetted mid/lower pack is. In all honesty, after a record breaking cold snap like that one, this forecaster has NO trust in the midpack. How it will behave with a new load and warming trend is a question few, if any of us can answer with any certainty. In times like this, let mellow terrain guide you.

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