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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 16th, 2020–Mar 17th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Avoid steep, shallow, rocky areas where the basal facets are more likely to be triggered. Wind slabs need a bit more time to heal.  

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday is forecast to bring a mix of sun and cloud with light flurries developing in the late afternoon. The high is expected to reach -4c, along with light variable winds. The freezing level is shown to be near valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose wet slides up to size 1.5 were observed on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

We still have a winter snow pack with widespread wind slabs dominating the alpine and open areas at treeline. Some of these slabs are soft slabs producing easy results within the top 10-20cm. The mid pack remains strong while the basal facets are weak.

Expect sun crust on solar aspects and some places at valley bottom from the clear skies from Monday.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are still a concern in the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. Multiple layers of wind slab may be found in wind prone areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still out there, and is most concerning in shallow, rocky areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Cornices

If large cornices release, they can trigger deeper instabilities.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3