Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2014 8:03AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Conditions are still ripe for human triggering. Deeply buried weak layers could produce large avalanches. Conservative route selection is strongly recommended. Solar radiation will also be a factor over the next few days.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -5 degrees. Winds will be moderate from the west and no new precipitation is expected. Although freezing levels are only expected to climb to 1300m, solar radiation will be intense, especially in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

One new size 1.5 naturally triggered slab was observed today at 2200m on a NW aspect. A widespread natural avalanche cycle has occurred over the past few days up to size 3.0 on all aspects and all elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is settling rapidly with warm temps. Rain crust found below 1900m from rain an d wet snow event over the weekend. Solar aspects are moist in the afternoon. Storm slabs at treeline are between 20 and 40cm thick and continue to be reactive in the easy to moderate range. The Feb 10th persistent weak layer is buried 80 to 100cm is is responsible for a fairly widespread avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 over the past few days.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This persistent weak layer is buried 80 to 100cm at treeline and is sensitive to human triggering. Numerous avalanches, both human and naturally-triggered, have occurred on this layer in the past few days.

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: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Previous snowfall and recent strong SW winds have formed wind slabs between 20 and 40cm thick on lee aspects in alpine and treeline terrain.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Mostly sunny skies on Tuesday will allow solar aspects to become moist, especially in the afternoon.

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

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2014 2:00PM