Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 1 – 2, 2015Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Although the hazard is low at all elevations, small avalanches are possible in extreme terrain and isolated areas.  PW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Keep and eye out for these as you approach open areas at treeline and above. These are not widespread but constant vigilance should be used, particularly in steeper terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–5
    The probability of triggering this basal weakness is low, but if the trigger is large enough such as a cornice, the resulting avalanche will be quite large.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Some isolated flurries are expected tonight and tomorrow but accumulations will only be in the 5cm range by end of day Monday. Cold nights and cool daytime temps in the alpine won't contribute to elevating avalanche hazards, but ridge top winds will be strong enough to move snow around and will be from the north so watch for evidence of reverse loading.

Avalanche Summary

There were no new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Variable windslabs exist at open treeline and alpine locations. Mod westerly winds today were transporting snow at treeline and above elevations and soft slabs are just starting to form on lee aspects. Steep solar aspects have a crust up to 2500m from yesterdays sun effect but there is still 10-15cm of low density snow on firm surfaces on northern, sheltered aspects which make for some good riding. The mid-pack is well settled, and depth hoar and facets round out the lower snowpack to ground.

Regions covered