Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2015 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Challenging ski conditions at the moment, but travel conditions are good when the snowpack is still frozen. Start early and finish early.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Monday will bring cloudy skies and very light flurries. Winds will be from the west at 25km/h gusting to 50km/h. Alpine temperatures will reach -1 Celsius and freezing levels will climb to 2100m.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose wet up to size 1.0 on steep terrain on all aspects below treeline as well as on solar aspects up to mountain top.

Snowpack Summary

Light rain up to 2300m on Saturday has formed rain crusts on all aspects that are not supportive to the weight of a skier at lower elevations. Solar input today began to break down these crusts in the afternoon on solar aspects. Previously formed sun crusts exist up to 2800m on solar aspects. Yesterday's rain turned to snow overnight and between 4 and 7cm fell at treeline. Previously formed wind slabs are still prominent in alpine areas and isolated areas at upper treeline elevations. Watch for these slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Basal weaknesses remain a concern, particularly in steep and shallow snowpack features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are prominent in alpine terrain and extend into isolated areas at treeline. Watch for this problem in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weaknesses persist. Concern remains for triggering in steep and shallow snowpack areas.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Solar radiation is strong at this time of year and warm daytime temperatures are leading to moist snow at lower elevations. These conditions can quickly lead to a rise in avalanche hazard.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2015 2:00PM