Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2018 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

There are isolated areas of considerable hazard in the alpine. Higher than expected winds have made new slabs in the high alpine. Lots of spindrift coming down from alpine ridges today.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Clear overnight with light(25km/hr) winds. Given what we saw today, the winds will be stronger above 2600m. Tomorrow will be a mix of sun and cloud with a daytime high of -9 at 2300m.

Avalanche Summary

We did see 1 cornice triggered slab on a sub-peak of Mt Lougheed. It pulled out the unsupported slope below it and then triggered another slope further down. It didn't appear to go on the deep persistent layer.

Snowpack Summary

The high alpine is experiencing stronger winds than expected. As expected, windslabs are a growing concern in the alpine. The question is are they reactive or not. We suspect yes- in certain places. Steep alpine slopes (35-40 degree plus) are suspect. The windslabs are also "laminated". Meaning that there are multiple slabs stacked up on each other with possible weaknesses between them. Open areas at treeline are less suspect as the winds haven't touched that area yet.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lots of transport in the high alpine today. Steep alpine terrain will have new windslabs of varying density depending on wind exposure.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesUse caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2018 2:00PM