Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2013 9:35AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Cornices and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The natural avalanche cycle is tapering off, but slopes are still very touchy for human triggering. Evaluate terrain carefully before committing to a line and beware of overhead hazard.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Cool temperatures and light winds on Monday. Light snowfall and light winds for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

A reasonably significant natural avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 has occurred on all aspects and all elevations in the past 3 days. Avalanche control on numerous control zones today produced several avalanches in the size 2.0 to 2.5 range, all associated wit the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. Storm snow totals range from 50 to 70cm. All elevations are exhibiting some storm slab formation, but this condition is more dominant at higher elevations. Cornices have grown significantly in the past several days. Sluffing is common in steep terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An additional 10 to 15cm in the past 24hrs has added to the already 50 to 70cm of storm snow. Slab development is present in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The natural avalanche cycle is tapering off, but prime conditions exist for human triggering.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Cornices

Cornices have grown significantly in the past 3 days and several cornice failures occurred recently which triggered slab avalanches on the slopes below.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Dry

Recent snowfall and moderate winds has lead to sluffing from steep terrain on all aspects at all elevations.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2013 2:00PM