Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 1 – 2, 2017Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

In theory we are using the ratings by the exact definition. In practice, we are treating it as a cautious moderate. Keep a close eye on the snow and your terrain choice despite the moderate rating.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    New wind slabs are on N-S aspect. At treeline, these tend to be more widespread but less dense. In the alpine, the wind has focused them to immediate lee. This problem also factors in buried windslabs that are down 10-20cm.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The cold weather has helped to break down the surface slabs, however the buried hard slab and/or facet layer is still intact. Convex terrain at treeline seems to be the most troubling areas.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Recent facetting has broken down the surface slabs below treeline. Above that, this problem is alive and well! It is a hard layer to trust.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The winds will continue overnight. Westerly ridge winds will be sustained at  50km/hr at ridgeline and tomorrow range from 40-60km/hr. The 2500m high temp will be -9. As for precip, only trace amounts are expected, but there may be higher localized amounts.

Avalanche Summary

One notable avalanche was seen pouring off an alpine face today. Undoubtedly the wind is to blame, whether it was a cornice collapse or loose dry is a mystery. It appeared to pull out the slope below the face. Sz2, Goat Range, East aspect and went into skiable terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The winds picked up last night and created new windslabs on north to south aspects. These start to show up at treeline and continue up to alpine elevations. In the high alpine the winds were/are strong enough to strip the snow completely. Lots of wind transport indicates that immediate lee terrain and cross loaded gullies will be primed. Treeline and below has felt the cold. Facetting has weakened existing slabs and has started to break down the various crusts from a week ago.

Regions covered