Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can be found in most places. Be aware of new wind slabs in isolated areas in the alpine. Ice climbers should be aware of loose dry avalanches in gullies.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Monday is forecast to bring cloudy skies, sun and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature will be -13c with westerly ridge winds of 25-35km/h.

Avalanche Summary

The following was observed:1. One natural size 2.5 slab in the Commonwealth area2. One size 2.5 slab in the Goat Range3. Several loose dry avalanches up to size 2

Snowpack Summary

25-40cm of snow has fallen since Friday. In the tree elevations, this storm snow is laying on top of a weaker snowpack. Some soft slab development has occurred in the alpine but is isolated for the time being. If the winds pick up and start to move the snow around, the wind slabs will develop and the hazard will increase in the alpine and open areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs in isolated areas.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Most notable in gullies.

Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern. Cornices, and small avalanches are likely triggers.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2018 2:00PM