Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 20 – 23, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Stick to low angle well supported terrain and limit your exposure to overhead features. If the sun comes out, watch for stability to deteriorate on solar aspects throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    If triggered, these are likely to step down to the persistent slab and then to the basal facets.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    This sits upon weak faceted crystals, sun crust or a dense layer that are perfect for slab avalanches. This layer is not reacting well to new loading, or even re-loading from wind.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2.5–3.5

    Some recent avalanche have stepped down to the basal facets running full path to ground.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Continued sporadic natural avalanche activty up to sz 2 from mainly N and E aspects at treeline and above. Treat any avalanche terrain that has not slid as suspect.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh wind slabs in the alpine were building on Thursday 10cm to 30cm deep. The top half of the snowpack is a 40-80cm dense slab that sits on top of 40-80cm of depth hoar and facets. This interface between the two is the January 30th interface and has produced repeatable sudden collapse test results. This layer has been failing on most of the recent avalanches. Unfortunately we will be in this pattern for the foreseeable future. Many recent avalanches have also stepped down to the basal facets and involved the entire snowpack. Repeated settlements are still being encountered by forecasters as they travel.

Weather Summary

A mix of sun and cloud with 5-8cm of convective snow over the next 24hrs with strong westerly winds. Temperatures will be up -5C during the heat of the day. If the sun comes out watch for stability to rapidly decrease on solar aspects.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.

Regions covered