Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2012 4:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

An additional 20-25cm of snow fell at treeline over the past 24hrs. Many slopes will look very inviting at this time but remember the buried windslabs and deeper buried surface hoar. Lots of snow available for transport if the wind pics up...

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Clear conditions are forecast for this evening a a weak ridge will build over the region tongiht. By Friday morning, conditions will change with cloud moving into the region and very light snowfalls expected. Winds are foreast to be light to moderate out of the SW

Avalanche Summary

No new observations due to limited visibility.

Snowpack Summary

18cm recent HST over the past 24hrs at lower elevations and up to 25cm at treeline. Isolated storm slabs forming at treeline and a concern now exists for buried windslabs at treeline and above.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are being found at treeline and above in immediate lee's. These slabs are now buried by the the recent 20-30cm of snow that fell on Thursday making them tougher for skiers to locate. Use caution as you approach more wind affected area.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Surface hoar is generally buried 125-150cm at treeline and above. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult as it gets more deeply buried. Avalanches in the upper snowpack may step down to this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Loose Dry

Loose snow is sluffing easily in steeper terrain. Be aware of "power sluffing" in steeper areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2012 9:00AM