Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 3 – 4, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A snow storm arrived this afternoon. With it, we are expecting all of the usual, short term avalanche problems: cornices, loose dry and storm slabs are on the radar. Ski quality will be very good in sheltered, low elevation areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    We're using wind slabs as a catch all term at the moment. Storm slabs are out there from the new snow, as are the deeper buried windslabs from last week. Storm slabs are in immediate lees, and the wind slabs are more widespread.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Additional load will increase the chance of this layer waking up.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Snow. Tonight we are expecting another 5cm followed by another 10 tomorrow. The winds will be strong throughout the storm. Tomorrow ridge top winds will be steady at 30km/hr, but gusting to 60. It will be -9 in the alpine. After tomorrow, we're expecting the snow to be replaced with the usual unsettled spring weather.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity seen today, however visibility was very limited. Loose dry avalanches were almost certainly happening in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm new snow overnight at treeline elevations. This initially came with moderate, gusty winds which faded away during the day today. That has given very soft storm slabs in exposed, immediate lee areas. There was some cracking today in freshly wind loaded areas, however the slabs weren't stiff enough to get going. Looking ahead, the winds aren't done yet, so more slab development is expected. As for the the alpine, storm slabs will be found on all lee (N-E aspects) slopes. They will become more and more active as the storm goes on. Likewise, cornices have grown throughout the day. Below treeline is not too concerning at the moment, but the additional load will add up.

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