Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 14 – 15, 2019Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche hazard and triggers are influenced by heat these days. If the sun comes out, put loose dry and cornices on your list of things to watch for.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs are now buried by the fresh snow, but expect to find them virtually everywhere. They will be most sensitive to triggering in steep and unsupported terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer is still concerning and could be woken up by a skier/rider in a thin shallow snowpack area, warmer temps with some solar radiation or a cornice failure. This problem deserves respect as any resulting avalanche will be full depth.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

A more predictable spring weather pattern seems to be knocking on our door. Tomorrow's high is -8, but the sun will hopefully make an appearance which will spike the temps. Alpine winds will be 40-50km from the west. No snow.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches were noted in the Bow Valley today. In one observed case, the loosed dry triggered a slab mid slope. Probably a 2.5 all said and done.

Snowpack Summary

A cooler day than expected kept the snow dry for the most part. Solar aspects, especially around rocks or trees will probably have a hint of a suncrust by late this afternoon. Speaking of crusts, remember that there is also a buried crust on solar aspects. While not widespread, or thick it can be found on steep terrain. Beyond the predictable crust formation, we still have those pesky windslabs from the last couple of wind events. These range in hardness, but unfortunately seem to be everywhere in the alpine. And of course, we have the lower 2/3's of the snowpack that is still a delicate combo of facets and depth hoar. This is a CRITICAL layer as the spring temps slowly creep up. The buzz around the forecaster's office is the expectation of these waking up easily and suddenly. These avalanches will flow far and fast when they occur.

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