Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 30 – 31, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

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

Stability will deteriorate quickly when the sun comes out so be aware of overhead terrain and the aspect. Early starts and finishes are key. Good skiing is being found on northern aspects!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs are present in the Alpine much more isolated at treeline. Though found on all aspects watch for thicker slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain such as N and E aspects.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornices are more fragile during sunny or warm periods. A cornice failure could trigger a significant slab on underlying slopes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Due to the nature of the snowpack, forecasters still have very little confidence in larger terrain features, particularly in the Alpine. Full depth avalanches that could reach the end of run out zones are still possible. If it hasnt slid, avoid it.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday looks like a carbon copy of Thursday with a mix of sun and cloud, generally light NW winds and freezing levels around 2200m.  Important to note that when the sun comes out the solar radiation is intense and the stablity on the solar aspects will deteriorate quickly.  Keep an eye on the weather and overhead terrain as you travel.

Avalanche Summary

Some loose sluffing up to sz 1.5 out of steep solar terrain when the sun came out but otherwise, no new natural activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

Convective squalls continue to give us 5-10cm/day but these amount can vary by the drainage and also taper rapidly at lower elevations. Windslabs are being observed in Alpine areas along ridgelines and in open terrain. These slabs are 20-30cm thick and are reactive to a skiers weight. At treeline the windslab are very isolated and more stubborn to trigger. Moist snow was observed on Solar aspects up to 2600m and on all aspects below 2100m.  Expect to encounter crusts in the upper snowpack on all aspects at lower elevations and on solar aspects up to 2600m. Despite no recent avalanche activity on the deeper weak layers, we consider the consequences of a large avalanche before committing to a slope.

Regions covered