Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 21 – 22, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Conservative choices are a must, dont push it and dont go for it. The current health care system is under enough stress due to COVID19 pandemic. Cooler and cloudy conditions on Sunday within an incoming storm on Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Wind slabs seem to be everywhere. They are most concerning for human triggering in steep, convex and unsupported terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    The deep persistent layer is still a concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. A large cornice trigger could also be enough to weak up this layer.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Cooler temps with more cloudy conditions are forecast for Sunday as we transition back to winter this week. 25-30cm of new snow is forecast to fall over the next few days. Sunday will see winds increasing to the strong range out of the W with the arrival of the front and light flurries, the main pulse will arrive on Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed. Field teams were out of the forecast area by 13:00.  

Snowpack Summary

Solar aspects have crust but luckily the more polar aspects are still holding dry snow. Surface crusts were breaking down and becoming moist by 10am but luckily dry snow was found all the way to the valley floor. Alpine areas are wind affected but sheltered places are offering good skiing potential. Surface hoar is widespread on polar aspects and may become a problem with the new snow forecast this week. Thin weak areas are the key places to be mindful of and the potential to awaken the basal layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Regions covered