Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2018 4:33PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Be alert for changing snow conditions as you approach the alpine (wind slabs). Good skiing can be found at tree line and below.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Thursday is suppose to bring mainly cloudy skies with isolated flurries; total accumulation at a whole 4cm. Alpine temperatures are expected at -5c along with another windy day for Thursday with west winds at 30-45km/h.Â A lot warmer weather is expected for the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 slab avalanche was observed up Murray Creek.One size 2 slab avalanche was observed in the Goat Range.Several loose dry avalanches up to size 2 were observed in the Chester Lake area. These might be older ones (24-48hrs old)

Snowpack Summary

The winds are the most interesting part. We have had three days of moderate winds from the SW and tomorrow, they are calling for more winds from the West. This has created a wind slab that is 30-60cm deep and will be mostly found along lee features, and in cross loaded gullies.The hazard rating for the alpine is Considerable, mostly because of these new wind slabs. Thursday will be the first warmish type day with freezing levels rising to 1800m or valley bottom of the Spray road.Â The skiing has remained good at tree line and below.Â

Problems

Wind Slabs

The winds were sure blowing along the ridge lines today.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2018 2:00PM