Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 13th, 2014 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Danger ratings will be closely tied to the rise and fall of the freezing level over the next couple of days. Expect steeper solar aspects to exhibit signs of weakening as the day progresses and air temperatures rise. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels rose to @1900 m on Thursday and similar conditions are expected on Friday with some light flurries through the day - accumulations of 4-7cm near the divide. Low tonight -10 and overnight winds winds west 25 gusting to 35 km/h. Winds increasing on Friday westerly 40 gusting to 85 km/h! Looking at the possibility of 20cm+ late in the weekend based on current forecast models so stay tuned...

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches observed or reported. Avalanche control work on EEOR produced mixed results with slab avalanches up to Size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

While slightly cooler on Thursday we are still seeing some settlement taking place within the snowpack due to mild temperatures. Water is visible running down the rocks on steep solar aspects indicating some additional heating and weakening is taking place at higher elevations.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 100cm in Alpine and Treeline areas and is sensitive to human triggering. Large settlements are still occurring in some drainages near treeline highlighting this weakness.

Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.>he snowpack will deteriorate in the afternoon.>he snowpack will deteriorate in the afternoon.>Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are widespread on lee aspects in alpine and treeline terrain. These slabs seem to be most sensitive to human triggering at treeline.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 14th, 2014 2:00PM