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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2020–Mar 22nd, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Conservative choices are a must, dont push it and dont go for it. The current health care system is under enough stress due to COVID19 pandemic. Cooler and cloudy conditions on Sunday within an incoming storm on Monday and Tuesday.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Cooler temps with more cloudy conditions are forecast for Sunday as we transition back to winter this week. 25-30cm of new snow is forecast to fall over the next few days. Sunday will see winds increasing to the strong range out of the W with the arrival of the front and light flurries, the main pulse will arrive on Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed. Field teams were out of the forecast area by 13:00.  

Snowpack Summary

Solar aspects have crust but luckily the more polar aspects are still holding dry snow. Surface crusts were breaking down and becoming moist by 10am but luckily dry snow was found all the way to the valley floor. Alpine areas are wind affected but sheltered places are offering good skiing potential. Surface hoar is widespread on polar aspects and may become a problem with the new snow forecast this week. Thin weak areas are the key places to be mindful of and the potential to awaken the basal layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs seem to be everywhere. They are most concerning for human triggering in steep, convex and unsupported terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep persistent layer is still a concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. A large cornice trigger could also be enough to weak up this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5