Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 28th, 2021–Mar 29th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

A significant storm could bring 15 to 25cm of fresh snow with strong NW winds. Snowfall amounts are uncertain. Keep an eye on localized conditions. Some parts of the region could tip into the HIGH avalanche danger rating.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Between 15 and 25cm of new snow is expected by Monday evening. Temperatures will dip to near -20 in the morning before warming to -12. Winds will shift to the NW and be in the strong range.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed today, but visibility was very limited.

Snowpack Summary

Only a few cm's had fallen by the time forecasters left the field Sunday at midday, but it was snowing hard. The bond at this new interface so far appears good, but wind slab formation was observed in open areas at Treeline. These slabs were already up to 20cm thick and some cracking was observed. Monday could see 15 to 25cm more snow with strong NW winds. If this comes true, expect to find widespread wind slabs through the terrain.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.