Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 15 – 16, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The sunny skies and warmer spring temperatures could start to weaken solar aspects and cornices. Best skiing can be found in sheltered areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs are still a concern in the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. Multiple layers of wind slab may be found in wind prone areas.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The sudden rise in temperature and solar radiation can be the trigger for cornices. If large cornices release, they can trigger deeper instabilities.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    This layer is still out there, and is most concerning in shallow, rocky areas.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Sunny and warm for Monday with a daytime high of -1c in the alpine along with light NW winds. No snow is forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Two new avalanches size 2 on west aspects were observed off of Mt. Buller.

Snowpack Summary

The wind slabs (numerous generations) still dominate the landscape in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. While becoming less sensitive to human triggering, be cautious in steep, convex and unsupported terrain. The mid-pack remains quite strong, and by contrast, the basal facets are still weak. The deep persistent slabs are more of a concern in shallow snowpack areas and rocky outcroppings.

Monday afternoon is suppose to be sunny and -1c in the alpine. Watch for moist snow on solar aspects as the heat can be intense.  

This heat could also make the triggering of some features more sensitive. This sudden warming trend can sometimes be the temperature trigger for cornices. Keep your distance from large cornices.

Terrain and Travel

  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Regions covered