Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 7 – 8, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Snowfall totals by Thursday midday were less than forecast and with calm wind conditions little redistribution of snow was occurring.  Watch for rising temps and the influences of daytime heating over the next few days as warmer weather moves in.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Cornices growth has slowed during the recent period of relatively calm wind conditions. Cornice failures earlier in the week triggered slab avalanches up to Size 3 on the slopes below.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Recent snowfall and light/moderate winds has led to sluffing from steep terrain on all aspects at all elevations.  This pattern is continuing with steady light snowfalls expected to continue until Friday AM.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Snow from the most recent storms which totalled as much as 50-70cm is settling out. Slab development is present in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The natural avalanche cycle has tapered off, but prime conditions exist for human triggering.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Barometric pressure will rise steadily on Friday as a ridge of HIGH pressure moves into the area. Light flurries over Thursday night tapering off Friday AM with skies expected to clear as the day progresses.  Light to moderate NW winds and alpine temps ranging from -8 to -12.  Valley bottom temps a  few degrees warmer and winds generally light from the West.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread sluffing of loose dry storm snow on steep lee aspects in the alpine elevation zone through the day on Thursday.  No other avalanche activity observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

8cm of new snow by Thursday morning at treeline with an additional 3-5cm through the day.  Winds generally calm all day with brief sunny periods depending upon location.  The storm slabs are slowly settling and bonding to previous surfaces and the lack of wind is slowing the pace of softslab formation and cornice growth. 

Regions covered