Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2019 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Early starts are key at this time of year! Intense solar radiation will cause avalanche danger to rise throughout the day especially on solar aspects so plan to avoid these areas when conditions warm up.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

A mainly clear night is forecast on Friday with freezing levels dropping down to the road level. Clear weather is again forecast on Saturday with freezing levels forecast around 2400m. Due to clear weather and intense solar radiation, it is likely that solar aspects and lower elevations will see a decrease in stability throughout the day on Saturday. Pay attention to whats overhead and in the sun, as well as early starts are critical.

Avalanche Summary

A few new loose wet slides up to sz 1 were observed in steep solar terrain on Friday. No new slab activity was noted.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of recent snow is settling under the influence of the warmer temps. Isolated windslabs are being found in alpine areas along ridgelines with some cracking noted. Moist snow was found up to 3000m on Friday with dry snow still on north aspects down to treeline. Stability is changing throughout the day due to temps, quality of freeze and aspect. As conditions warm up, stability will decrease. Pay close attention to cloud cover and aspect you are travelling on or under throughout your trip. Quality of freeze is also a big factor so be sure to access the online weather stations to aid in your trip planning.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal layer may wake up as temperatures climb. Wet loose slides may also wake up and trigger basal full depth avalanches.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Isolated windslabs in immediate lee alpine terrain features have formed with the recent snow and winds. Check the bond with the underlying crusts.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

As conditions warm up, watch for loose wet avalanches to start on solar aspects.

Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2019 2:00PM