Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Mikey, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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.Â Â

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.

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

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2020 4:00PM