Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2017 3:27PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Careful route selection is advised now that the storm has ended. Minimizing overhead hazard is recommended. Good skiing can be found in sheltered and non-exposed areas.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Weather forecast for Monday is showing isolated flurries, -13C and ridge winds of 30-40km/h. The remainder of the week is indicating flurries and cold temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches have occurred during this last storm up to size 3 and are difficult to notice as they have been covered by new snow. Avalanche control is planned for Mt. Rundle on March 6, 2017. Expect road closure from 1-5pm.

Snowpack Summary

The storm has ended and dropped up to 60cm of snow in the alpine. Wind was associated with this storm creating storm slabs at ridge lines and lee features. Cornices have grown with this last storm and have the potential to wake up deeper layers if they break off. Sheltered and non-exposed areas are providing good skiing.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Additional load will increase the chance of this layer waking up.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2017 2:00PM