Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Freezing levels could rise as high as 2900m on Sunday leading to a rise in the danger level, possibly up to HIGH. Avalanches are expected. Forecasters are still being cautious in steep and large terrain features due to several buried weak layers.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring lots of sun and very warm temperatures with freezing levels expected to rise to 2900m. The ridge of high pressure will break down on Sunday night with a chance for very light flurries on Monday, but still warm conditions.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread loose dry avalanches were observed up to size 1.5 on steep lee aspects at all elevations. A few loose wet slides up to size 1.5 were also seen on solar aspects. ski cutting was producing small sluffs in steep north facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of new snow fell at treeline overnight. Storm snow totals are now near 25 to 30cm, but are settling quickly due to the warm afternoon temperatures. The snow was turning moist on solar aspects by midday, so a sun crust is expected tomorrow morning that will break down through the day. In alpine and treeline areas, buried wind slabs are present, and the February surface hoar remains a concern buried up to 140cm.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar aspects are producing loose wet slides as daytime radiation and warming take affect. Steep rocky start zones are particularly concerning, as are cornices. Spring is here!

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Wind Slabs

Previously formed wind slabs are present at treeline and above on lee and cross loaded slopes. These slabs are now buried by 20-30cm of recent snow making them tougher for skiers to locate. Use caution as you approach more wind affected area.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The February surface hoar interface is buried 125-150cm at treeline and above. Field tests are showing that this layer is strengthening and becoming harder for a skier to trigger but don't let it slip from you mind as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2012 9:00AM