Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 31 – Apr 1, 2019Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

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.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    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.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    As conditions warm up, watch for loose wet avalanches to start on solar aspects.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The basal layer has been active recently when the snowpack warms up. Slides may initiate as loose wet, but then step down to ground.

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.

Regions covered