Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 28 – 29, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche Danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE or HIGH each day on solar aspects due to intense solar radiation. Treat sun-exposed slopes and cornices with extreme caution in the afternoons. Start early, finish early!

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.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Isolated wind slabs are a concern in steep, convex and unsupported features on northerly aspects. Shallow snowpack areas are possible trigger points.

  • 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

A few clouds and light NW winds are expected on Friday. Freezing levels will climb to near 2100m during the day. No precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing up to size 1.5 was observed today on solar aspects starting around 11:00am. One size 2.5 cornice failure occurred on a N aspect at 2800m. This cornice triggered a slab on the underlying slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts are becoming thicker each day on solar aspects as the melt-freeze cycles continue. The snowpack is settling rapidly at lower elevations. Cornices are large and sagging. Isolated pockets of wind slab remain at higher elevations on northerly aspects.

Regions covered