Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2013 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Tonight will bring a spike in precip, alpine winds and temperature. With that spike, a rapid deterioration in avalanche conditions can be expected. Give alpine features lots of respect tomorrow. MM

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

The spring like conditions will continue for the next 24 hours. The precip associated with the Pineapple Express will peak at midnight tonight. We can expect up to 20 cms near the divide. Winds are now forecasted to be slightly less than they were, BUT this puts them in a range that is even more conducive to wind slab development.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations today due to poor visibility.

Snowpack Summary

Light precip today has left us with 10cm at TL and counting. This new snow has come in warmer than usual. Expect to see a dramatic change in snow density as you climb higher. ALP elevations will have dry snow that is more than willing to be transported by the wind. Expect storm slabs. TL has the most variable snow density. Transport will increase in proportion to the wind. BTL snow is heavy and sticky. It will bond quickly, however "upside down" conditions can be expected.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

windslabs at treeline and above are still possible to trigger. Convex rolls in steep terrain below ridge crests and steep crossloaded gullies are particulary concerning. Expect to start finding these at the upper margin of TL.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Buried wind slabs (originally formed in late January) are still a concern in steep features in the alpine and at treeline. These slabs are found down 30 to 60cm in the snowpack. Additional load may make these easier to trigger.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2013 2:00PM