Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 30 – 31, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems are almost exclusively related to solar radiation and daytime heating. Each day the Danger Ratings will climb to CONSIDERABLE or HIGH by mid-day. Keep a close eye on sun-exposed slopes as well as cornices on N and E aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Cornices are large and sagging after several days of warm temperatures. Recent cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Steep solar aspects have been producing loose wet avalanches in the past several days due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday should bring light NW winds and mostly sunny skies. Freezing levels will climb to close to 2400m. No new snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Solar triggered sluffs up to size 1.5 were observed on East, South and West aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts are present on solar aspects and are becoming progressively thicker with each passing sunny day. these crusts break down at various intervals through the day, depending on aspect and elevation. Only true North aspects are escaping the crusts, and dry snow can still be found on these features. Cornices remain a concern as they continue to sag and be heavily affected by solar radiation. Stability tests today on a North aspect continue to indicate shears down 20 and 30cm involving buried crusts from earlier in March. These test results were giving "hard" scores today.

Regions covered