Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2019 3:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Hazard could be higher than forecast if sunny conditions prevail. Keep an eye on local conditions. This is the time of year for early starts and early finishes.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Some weather forecasts are calling for 5 to 10cm of new snow overnight, but this snowfall will likely be sporadic across the region. Freezing levels will be near 2200m for the next few days with generally light and variable winds. A good solid freeze is unlikely tonight due to lingering pockets of precipitation and extensive cloud cover.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed today (limited field observations), but recent loose wet avalanche activity up to size 1.5 has been occurring most days during the peak of the air temperatures and/or intense solar radiation.

Snowpack Summary

The snow from last week has settled to between 5 and 10cm of dry snow on high elevation Northerly aspects. Otherwise most areas now sport a surface crust that melts during the day and re-freezes overnight. Isolated pockets of wind slabs can be found in Alpine areas near ridgelines. The basal layer of facets/depth hoar is alive and well, and has been reactive in isolated areas when the snowpack heats up and looses its strength. Travel conditions below treeline involve ski penetration to ground unless you stick to a previously well-established up-track.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal layer has been active recently when the snowpack warms up. Slides may initiate as loose wet, but then step down to ground.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

As conditions warm up, watch for loose wet avalanches to start on solar aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs in immediate lee alpine terrain features have formed with last week's snow and winds. Check the bond with the underlying crusts.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2019 2:00PM