Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2014 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Conditions are improving but still touchy! Watch for decreasing stability on Solar aspects later in the day when the sun comes out!

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels are forecast to drop to valley bottom tomorrow but the sun will still be rather intense. Watch for decreases in stability on solar aspects later in the day.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose wet slides were observed on solar aspects in the PM and a few new isolated slabs on steep polar aspects in the Alpine up to sz 2.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is settling under the influence of the warmer temperatures. A moderate sheer persists under the recent windslabs down 30-40cm and the 0211 interface is down 70-100cm and producing hard sheers but these sheers are sudden planar in nature.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 100 cm in Alpine and Treeline areas and is sensitive to human triggering. Be wary on large planar slopes.

Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Watch for decreases in stability on solar aspects later in the day.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.>he snowpack will deteriorate in the afternoon.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are widespread on lee aspects in alpine and treeline terrain. Field teams at Aster are reporting a moderate sheers down 30cm at a old storm interface.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2014 2:00PM