Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 17 – 18, 2020Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Watch for shallow, rocky areas, where triggering is more likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    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.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    This layer is still out there, and is most concerning in shallow, rocky areas.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday morning will start out cold at -18c and expected to warm up to -4c. Skies will be a mix of sun and cloud, along with light westerly winds. The forecast snow by Wednesday afternoon is a whopping 2cm.

Avalanche Summary

One size 3 natural on a NE aspects near Galatea creek that started around 2700m. This occurred sometime Tuesday morning.

Snowpack Summary

We still have a winter snow pack with widespread wind slabs dominating the alpine and open areas at treeline. Soft slabs can be found when you transition into tree line. The midpack remains strong while the basal facets are weak. Isolated sun crust can be found on solar aspects. If the sun comes out, solar aspect slopes can become a concern.

Terrain and Travel

  • 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.

Regions covered