Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2015 8:06AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Freezing levels are forecast to climb up to 2500m on Thursday. Watch the thermomotor as the day progresses. The snow may become less stable as the day warms up.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.Precipitation: Trace.Alpine temperature: High 1 °C.Ridge wind west: 45 km/h.Freezing level: 2500 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity was noted.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm is now overlying previous snow surface that include crusts on all aspects except for true north above 2400m. Isolated pockets of windslab can be found at higher elevations in sheltered areas but many areas have been wind affected or temperature affected from last weeks weather.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lee and cross loaded features are the places these slabs will be a concern to backcountry users.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal facets and depth hoar still linger down near the ground. Steep shallow areas are still the main places you need to be aware of the potential for wide and deep avalanches.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Warm temps will likely cause some loose wet avalanches in steeper areas.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2015 2:00PM