Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We are into "spring conditions" at this time. Stability will decrease throughout the day as temperatures rise. Decreases in stability will be most apparent on solar aspects especially in thin rocky terrain. Watch for good overnight freezes.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.Precipitation: Trace.Alpine temperature: High 1 °C.Ridge wind west: 30 km/h gusting to 55 km/h.Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were observed on solar aspects and at lower elevations up to sz 1.

Snowpack Summary

Freezing levels climbed up to 2600m on Friday and as a result, the snowpack is isothermal at lower elevations. We are now entering a true spring snowpack state. In the morning when temperatures are cooler, the snowpack is stable. Then as the day progresses and warms up and freezing levels rise, the snowpack will become less stable. Isolated pockets of windslabs may be found on true north aspects at higher elevations and this will continue to remain a concern for skiers. Now is the time to be looking for corn snow skiing...

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temps are making the snowpack isothermal at lower elevations. When the snowpack is fully isothermal, it has little to no strength. When the comes out stability decreases very fast. Especially on thin rocky solar aspects.

Avoid steep Southerly aspects.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be very cautious with gully features.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

North aspects in the Alpine areas the likely areas you will encounter these problems.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin steep unsupported features are places to be thinking about consequences.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2015 2:00PM