Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 22 – 23, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off, but human triggering is still a real concern. Conservative terrain choices are in order, as the weak basal layers can still produce very large avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Wind slabs are found on all aspects. Above 2200m these slabs are more prevalent. An avalanche triggered in the upper snowpack could step down to the weak basal layers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The late-March solar impact can be intense. Watch for rapid destabilization of the snowpack during sunny periods, especially in rocky or shallow snowpack areas.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    There is still a real concern for larger overhead exposure, especially for those features that have not yet avalanched.

Confidence

High - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday will be a mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation. Winds will be out of the West at 25 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. The freezing level is expected to remain at valley floor with Alpine temperatures near -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today but the places that have not gone look primed to go. The forecasters are still avoiding any exposure to larger slopes overhead. Avalanches that have occurred over the past weak were very large, had wide propagations and failed in the basal weak layers. In many cases these slides have been reaching or exceeding historic run-outs.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15cm of recent snow overlies a supportive crust layer. Above 2200m this crust begins to deteriorate. In Alpine and Treeline wind slabs are found on all aspects, but expect deeper deposits on lee and cross-loaded features. The lower 125cm of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. This critical weakness will persist for the rest of the season.

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