Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The Feb 10th interface remains sensitive to human triggering. Warm temperatures and sunny skies on Wednesday will destabilize the snow on solar aspects leading to a rise in avalanche danger. Be aware of localized conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with temperatures near -1 degree in the Alpine. Freezing levels will climb to at least 1900m with moderate winds from the west. No new precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new in past 24hrs, but a previous avalanche cycle up to size 3.0 occurred over the past several days.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is settling with continued mild temperatures. Wide spread wind effect in Alpine and Treeline areas. Solar aspects becoming moist in afternoon. Shears persist down 70 to 90cm at Feb 10th interface.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 90cm in Alpine and Treeline areas and is sensitive to human triggering. Numerous avalanches, both human and naturally-triggered, have occurred on this layer in the past few days.

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: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Intense solar radiation and warm temperatures will destabilize south and west aspects 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 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 12th, 2014 2:00PM