Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 15 – 16, 2018Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

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

Warm temps, recent new snow (up to 30cm) and light winds are increasing the avalanche danger.  This new snow will take a few days to stabilize.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New windslabs will build overnight with the recent storm snow and winds. We are forecasting this problem for the alpine only.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New storm slabs building in alpine and treeline areas as the recent HST settles.  Use caution in steeper areas.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    If the sun does come out, expect loose wet avalanches to occur quickly.  Thin cloudy may also cause greenhouse effect warming the snow up quickly even with no direct sunlight.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Another 5-8cm of snow is forecast to fall overnight adding to the 20-25cm that we received throughout the day on Thursday.  Warm temps will promote fast settlement of the new snow.  Skies are forecast to be overcast but we may see the sun poke out from time to time.  Winds are likely to be moderate out of the NW tonight before becomming more calm on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday but visibilty was extremely limited.

Snowpack Summary

Well the forecasted storm did arrive giving us close to 25cm at treeline and above.  The storm came in warm and as a result the snow has been quick to settle and so far appears to be bonding poorly to the underlying snow surface.  Storm slabs should be expected while the snow settles that will be reactive to human traffic in steeper areas.  Winds are forecast to be calm, but we expect there to be some isolated windslabs in alpine areas along ridgelines.  This new snow will freshen up the skiing but the key layer to watch will be the bond with the underlying snow surface.  Move into bigger terrain slowly and evaluate this layer before committing to terrain.

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