Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 25th, 2012–Mar 26th, 2012

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Heavy snowfall and/or rain are forecast for Monday with freezing levels as high as 2300m. If these weather conditions occur, avalanche hazard will rise rapidly through the day. Pay attention to localized conditions.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

A warm storm is expected on Monday bringing 25 to 30cm over a short period of time with freezing levels starting at 2300m in the morning and dropping through the day. Precipitation could fall in the form of rain. Winds are likely to be moderate from the NE.

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.5 solar triggered slab from a steep SE aspect below treeline. Minor pin-wheeling observed on steep solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar growth overnight up to 10mm on sheltered aspects. Storm snow is settling. February surface hoar is buried 130cm at treeline and is still reactive to stability tests in the hard range. Midpack is well consolidated.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Heavy wet snow and/or rain are expected on Monday. Avalanche danger will rise rapidly if this weather condition comes true. Loose wet avalanches are expected, especially at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are expected to begin forming with the arrival of the warm snow and moderate NE winds on Monday. Reverse wind loading is a strong possibility. Rapid loading is likely according to the weather forecast.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The Feb surface hoar is buried 120-150cm at treeline. Field tests are showing that this layer is strengthening and becoming harder to trigger, but shallow snowpack areas are still a concern. Cornices or smaller avalanches could trigger this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 6