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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 9th, 2023–Mar 10th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Some snow is on its way. The snow pack is generally weak and conservative route selection is the best approach to a safe day out.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today but many of our neighbours have recently reported large avalanches, some of which have been triggered by cornices. Kananaskis Country have had several large natural avalanches in the last 5 days.

Snowpack Summary

Generally a weak snowpack. The surface wind slab at tree line and above is slowly gaining strength but is still producing planar results down 20cm from the surface. In our test profile near Tent Ridge today, the basal facets were found up to 80cm up from the ground. Further test results were occurring at the November layer interface about 40cm off the ground. Natural avalanches are possible and the consequences would be significant because any trigger would likely make the entire snow pack slide. If more snow falls in the Park than expected, along with strong winds, expect fresh wind slabs to form. Check out part 2 on how significant the month of March is on our present snow pack: https://www.instagram.com/kananaskissafety/

Weather Summary

Flurries are expected to begin near noon on Friday with snow amounts from 2-10cm depending on the weather model. Temperatures will range from -17c to -10c. Winds are expected to increase to strong from the SE by mid day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

If more snow arrives than forecast, expect to find fresh wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The alpine is still variable in total amounts of snow but the basal layers haven't changed. The entire lower half is either facets, or depth hoar. Thin weak areas should be treated as suspect and avoided.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5