Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 9th, 2012–Mar 10th, 2012

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Kananaskis.

Natural avalanches continue to occur. Be wary of any slopes that have not yet slid. Strong winds and warm temperatures will add to the already well established wind slabs.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Light flurries through Saturday with continued strong SW winds and mild temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity up to size 2.5 continues.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack settling. Wind slabs forming at alpine and treeline areas. SH still reactive in unsupported terrain. Moist snow below 1800m.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Several layers of wind slab are present on lee and cross loaded features. A failure in these slabs will likely step down to the surface hoar or the basal facets. Large avalanches are occurring on this layer. Extreme west winds expected to continue.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 7

Persistent Slabs

The Valentine's surface hoar and sun crust continue to be a problem The surface hoar is particularly touchy and is now buried an average of 110cm at treeline. Remote triggering, cracking and whumpfing continue to occur, as do natural avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 7

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets and depth hoar linger at the base of the snowpack. Thin steep areas are the most likely trigger points. Large avalanches are stepping down to this weakness.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 3 - 7

Cornices

Cornices have grown significantly in the alpine. Failures continue to occur and have triggered avalanches up to size 3 on the underlying slopes. Give cornices a wide berth and stay well back from corniced ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 6