Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2015 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The warm weather is taking a toll on our snowpack. Ski quality is poor and avalanche hazard is expected to vary with the warm temperatures and sun. Not a great time to be out in avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

The warm weather will linger overnight. The freezing level will hover around 2000 for the next 24hrs. Tomorrow will be warm and windy with no new snow.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated loose wet avalanches were noted from steep solar aspects in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

The warm temperatures have started to have a sustained effect on the snowpack. By noon today, the valley bottom was moist and isothermal by mid-afternoon. Treeline and lower alpine elevations also have moist surface snow on all aspects. Southern aspects are suffering from the same soar effect, but the cloud cover has helped slow it down.

Problems

Loose Wet

With no overnight refreeze we can expect this problem to start early in the day at treeline and below treeline. Wet slabs may become a problem as well. Avoid steep solar aspects if the sun comes out.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

These will become more triggerable with the warm temps.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

As the snowpack warms up, remember that this layer will be easier to trigger. Cornices, loose wet, wet slabs are all potential triggers at this point.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2015 2:00PM