Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2016 7:51AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can still be found on sheltered areas on North aspect at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Trace of snow forecasted for tomorrow, cloudy with freezing levels up to 2100 and strong winds out of the SW.

Avalanche Summary

A few slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed in steep alpine features on NorthEast and North aspects. These avalanches were in lee and crossloaded features. A few loose wet avalanches up to size 1 were also observed in alpine treeline areas on solar aspects

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine there is 15-25 cm of lower density snow in protected areas and windslab that is likely reactive to skier trigger in lee alpine features. The March 8th layer is present on all aspects at treeline and below and into alpine features on solar aspects, this layer consists of a laminated crust down 15-25 cms and of concern in areas where slab has developed overtop. In the mid pack the feb 11th layer vary in depth but these layers are showing signs of strengthening with only hard to no results in field testing but there is still a possibility of avalanches stepping down to these layers. The January 6th layer is in the bottom 1/3rd of the snow pack and is faceted out but there is a noticeable density change below this layer. Forecasters noted a few collapses and "punchy" feeling snow at treeline and alpine areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2016 2:00PM