Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2025 3:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada Kananaskis, Avalanche Canada

The fresh snow on the way should improve riding conditions. Frequently dig down to the persistent slab and evaluate conditions before committing to any steeper terrain. This problem will be with us for some time, and human triggering is possible.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported today.

Snowpack Summary

Between 2 and 20cm has fallen in the past 48hrs, with the average being about 8cm at treeline elevations. The main concern right now is the persistent slab 15-30cm thick that is resting on the Jan 30 interface made of facets, sun crust or another dense layer. The mid and lower snowpack is primarily facets. Natural avalanche activity has tapered, but human triggering remains possible, due to the dense slab overlying a lot of weak facets. Forecasters have little confidence in the snowpack. Travelling at lower elevations involves ski penetration to ground if you leave any established trail.

Weather Summary

Light flurries will begin overnight on Tuesday and extend through the day on Wednesday. Between 5 and 10cm are possible by Wednesday afternoon. Winds will be light from the West with temperatures near -5C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This sits upon weak faceted crystals, sun crust or a dense layer that are perfect for slab avalanches. North aspects may be more susceptible to triggering as these areas did not experience a strong melt-freeze cycle like the solar sides did.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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