Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 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 and Deep Persistent Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Sunny periods and daytime heating will increase the hazard on solar aspects. Wind slabs are still a concern in lee and cross-loaded terrain at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Strong west winds tonight will taper off for Sunday with a SW flow at 30 km/h. A mix of sun and cloud is expected with temperatures near -3 at ridgetop. Freezing levels are forecast for 1900m. Monday could see a fairly significant snowfall, but that is still uncertain.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new was observed today, but observation were limited.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack at lower elevations is not getting much (if any) refreeze overnight due to warm temperatures and light rain making travel tedious, especially where the snowpack has gone isothermal. Crusts are present on solar aspects all the way to mountaintop, and these crusts are breaking down each day depending on solar input and daytime heating. However, classic spring-time "corn snow" is not being observed yet. Wind slabs can be found on lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and treeline. The weak basal layers remain a concern, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and isolated areas at treeline.

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 weak basal layers persist. Steep and shallow snowpack areas remain a concern for triggering.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2015 2:00PM