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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 27th, 2021–Mar 28th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

A warm wet windy storm is coming to the region on Sunday. Avalanche danger will increase with the arrival of this storm. Sunday will be a day to keep watching conditions.  

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

20-30cm of snow is forecast by the end of the day on Sunday with strong westerly winds and warm temps. As we move into Sunday evening, temperatures will begin to drop and winds shift out of the north under partly clear skies.

Avalanche Summary

A few cornice collapses were observed but no slabs were found on the underlying slopes. 

Snowpack Summary

Isolated windslabs are being found in alpine areas but only limited reactivity along ridgelines and immediate lees. Tomorrow will be a big change though as winds increase into the strong range with 20-40cm of new snow in alpine areas. Expect windslabs to become more widespread at Alpine and treeline likely failing at the storm snow interface.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.