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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 16th, 2021–Mar 17th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Early starts and finishes are key! Avalanche danger will be Moderate in the cool mornings and then increase throughout the day to high with the intense solar radiation. Pay attention to freezing levels, temps and aspect you are on or under.  

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

A cold night with lows down to -15C then a clear day with freezing levels around 2400m with clear skies. Winds should also be calm. Will be a beautiful albeit hot day tomorrow!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Snowpack Summary

Melt freeze cycle seems to be the name of the game right now! Melting during the day and becoming less stable and freezing at night. With these kind of Spring conditions, timing and aspect is everything. The alpine appears to be wind affected except for sheltered north aspects. On non-solar aspects there are still some buried wind slabs in the upper 60 of the snowpack that are worth investigating before committing to bigger terrain. Be alert on the changing snow conditions under your skis. There are plenty of big cornices out there so take the time to plan your trip to avoid them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Intense solar radiation at this time of year can quickly elevate avalanche activity on solar aspects. Solar radiation is still a concern on cloudy days, especially without an overnight freeze. Time your exposure to these slopes to avoid the heat of the day. 

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs exist in the upper snowpack that feel drummy in some areas. Take the time to dig down and evaluate the interfaces in each specific terrain feature.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5