Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 11 – 12, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The Feb 10th interface remains sensitive to human triggering. Warm temperatures and sunny skies on Wednesday will destabilize the snow on solar aspects leading to a rise in avalanche danger. Be aware of localized conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs are widespread on lee aspects in alpine and treeline terrain. These slabs seem to be most sensitive to human triggering at treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    This persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 90cm in Alpine and Treeline areas and is sensitive to human triggering. Numerous avalanches, both human and naturally-triggered, have occurred on this layer in the past few days.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Intense solar radiation and warm temperatures will destabilize south and west aspects in the afternoon.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with temperatures near -1 degree in the Alpine. Freezing levels will climb to at least 1900m with moderate winds from the west. No new precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new in past 24hrs, but a previous avalanche cycle up to size 3.0 occurred over the past several days.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is settling with continued mild temperatures. Wide spread wind effect in Alpine and Treeline areas. Solar aspects becoming moist in afternoon. Shears persist down 70 to 90cm at Feb 10th interface.

Regions covered