Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2020–Mar 16th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

The sunny skies and warmer spring temperatures could start to weaken solar aspects and cornices. Best skiing can be found in sheltered areas.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Sunny and warm for Monday with a daytime high of -1c in the alpine along with light NW winds. No snow is forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Two new avalanches size 2 on west aspects were observed off of Mt. Buller.

Snowpack Summary

The wind slabs (numerous generations) still dominate the landscape in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. While becoming less sensitive to human triggering, be cautious in steep, convex and unsupported terrain. The mid-pack remains quite strong, and by contrast, the basal facets are still weak. The deep persistent slabs are more of a concern in shallow snowpack areas and rocky outcroppings.

Monday afternoon is suppose to be sunny and -1c in the alpine. Watch for moist snow on solar aspects as the heat can be intense.  

This heat could also make the triggering of some features more sensitive. This sudden warming trend can sometimes be the temperature trigger for cornices. Keep your distance from large cornices.

Terrain and Travel

  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are still a concern in the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. Multiple layers of wind slab may be found in wind prone areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still out there, and is most concerning in shallow, rocky areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Cornices

The sudden rise in temperature and solar radiation can be the trigger for cornices. If large cornices release, they can trigger deeper instabilities.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3