Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2012 3:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

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.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2012 8:00AM