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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2021–Mar 31st, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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.

Human-triggerable wind slabs in the Alpine. Conservative route selection is in order. The late March sun is intense and will raise avalanche hazard levels on solar aspects quickly. Start early and finish early.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures climbing to -2 and freezing levels near 2200m. When the sun is out, it will feel intense! Winds will be light to moderate from the west. 

Avalanche Summary

Further evidence of a natural avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 primarily on SE, E and NE aspects. So far these have all been wind slabs, with only very minor and small loose dry avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow of up to 30cm remains dry on northerly aspects, but was moist on the solar side by midday. By morning expect snow on SE through W aspects to have a surface crust. At treeline and below the recent snow is bonding well, but in the Alpine there is a different story. Wind slabs are evident on all aspects except west. The natural avalanche cycle is tapering off, but loaded slopes in the Alpine are primed for human-triggering.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Avoid steep convex slopes.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs were touchy in the Alpine today, but not as much of an issue at lower elevations. These new slabs will take several days to improve.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

When the solar radiation is strong and the air temperatures rise, loose wet avalanches will start to run. Avoid these terrain features after mid-morning.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5