Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Avalanche problems are almost exclusively related to solar radiation and daytime heating. Each day the Danger Ratings will climb to CONSIDERABLE or HIGH by mid-day. Keep a close eye on sun-exposed slopes as well as cornices on N and E aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday should bring light NW winds and mostly sunny skies. Freezing levels will climb to close to 2400m. No new snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Solar triggered sluffs up to size 1.5 were observed on East, South and West aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts are present on solar aspects and are becoming progressively thicker with each passing sunny day. these crusts break down at various intervals through the day, depending on aspect and elevation. Only true North aspects are escaping the crusts, and dry snow can still be found on these features. Cornices remain a concern as they continue to sag and be heavily affected by solar radiation. Stability tests today on a North aspect continue to indicate shears down 20 and 30cm involving buried crusts from earlier in March. These test results were giving "hard" scores today.

Problems

Loose Wet

Steep solar aspects have been producing loose wet avalanches in the past several days due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging after several days of warm temperatures. Recent cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2013 2:00PM