Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 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, Cornices and Persistent Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Avalanche Danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE or HIGH each day on solar aspects due to intense solar radiation. Treat sun-exposed slopes and cornices with extreme caution in the afternoons. Start early, finish early!

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A few clouds and light NW winds are expected on Friday. Freezing levels will climb to near 2100m during the day. No precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing up to size 1.5 was observed today on solar aspects starting around 11:00am. One size 2.5 cornice failure occurred on a N aspect at 2800m. This cornice triggered a slab on the underlying slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts are becoming thicker each day on solar aspects as the melt-freeze cycles continue. The snowpack is settling rapidly at lower elevations. Cornices are large and sagging. Isolated pockets of wind slab remain at higher elevations on northerly aspects.

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

Persistent Slabs

Isolated wind slabs are a concern in steep, convex and unsupported features on northerly aspects. Shallow snowpack areas are possible trigger points.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2013 2:00PM