Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2015 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Although the hazard is low at all elevations, small avalanches are possible in extreme terrain and isolated areas. PW

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Some isolated flurries are expected tonight and tomorrow but accumulations will only be in the 5cm range by end of day Monday. Cold nights and cool daytime temps in the alpine won't contribute to elevating avalanche hazards, but ridge top winds will be strong enough to move snow around and will be from the north so watch for evidence of reverse loading.

Avalanche Summary

There were no new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Variable windslabs exist at open treeline and alpine locations. Mod westerly winds today were transporting snow at treeline and above elevations and soft slabs are just starting to form on lee aspects. Steep solar aspects have a crust up to 2500m from yesterdays sun effect but there is still 10-15cm of low density snow on firm surfaces on northern, sheltered aspects which make for some good riding. The mid-pack is well settled, and depth hoar and facets round out the lower snowpack to ground.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The probability of triggering this basal weakness is low, but if the trigger is large enough such as a cornice, the resulting avalanche will be quite large.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Wind Slabs

Keep and eye out for these as you approach open areas at treeline and above. These are not widespread but constant vigilance should be used, particularly in steeper terrain.

Avoid traveling on ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2015 2:00PM