Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 27 – 28, 2015Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

We are into "spring conditions" at this time.  Stability will decrease throughout the day as temperatures rise.  Decreases in stability will be most apparent on solar aspects especially in thin rocky terrain.  Watch for good overnight freezes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    North aspects in the Alpine areas the likely areas you will encounter these problems.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Warm temps are making the snowpack isothermal at lower elevations.  When the snowpack is fully isothermal, it has little to no strength.  When the comes out stability decreases very fast.  Especially on thin rocky solar aspects.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Thin steep unsupported features are places to be thinking about consequences.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.Precipitation: Trace.Alpine temperature: High 1 °C.Ridge wind west: 30 km/h gusting to 55 km/h.Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were observed on solar aspects and at lower elevations up to sz 1.

Snowpack Summary

Freezing levels climbed up to 2600m on Friday and as a result, the snowpack is isothermal at lower elevations.  We are now entering a true spring snowpack state. In the morning when temperatures are cooler, the snowpack is stable.  Then as the day progresses and warms up and freezing levels rise, the snowpack will become less stable. Isolated pockets of windslabs may be found on true north aspects at higher elevations and this will continue to remain a concern for skiers.  Now is the time to be looking for corn snow skiing... 

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