Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Wind slabs in the alpine on lee and cross loaded features. Good skiing in sheltered places.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Looking a bit like spring weather as the weatherman is calling for a mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries for Friday. Alpine temperatures are forecast at -7c with west winds at 25km/h and gusting to 55km/h. Temperatures are on a warming trend this weekend and skies are expected to clear.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity observed today.

Snowpack Summary

We skied into the Pocaterra ridge area near Highwood Pass today. There was 5-10cm of new snow from last night. The wind slabs from the recent westerly winds can be found mostly on the lee of ridges and on cross loaded features. There was some sun crust that formed on solar aspects. Cornices are starting to be on our radar and this will be more of a concern as the temperatures start to warm up this weekend.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Specific to the lee of ridges and cross loaded features.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesUse caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2018 2:00PM