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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2012–Mar 28th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Up to 20cm of recent snow has formed storm slabs due to warm temps and wind loading. These slabs will be sensitive in steep, unsupported terrain. Carefully evaluate the bond between the slabs and the underlying crust or surface hoar layer.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Light flurries and high freezing levels (2000m) on Wednesday. winds will also be strong out of the SW. Another storm on Thursday could bring 20cm of snow over the course of the day.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated solar triggered loose wet slides on steep solar aspects up to size 1.0.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of new snow at treeline over variety of surfaces, including crusts on solar aspects and pockets of surface hoar in sheltered northerly aspects. Visible wind affect in alpine areas indicating wind slab development. Snowpack is settling rapidly with warm temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are present on lee features in alpine areas and wind exposed areas at treeline. These slabs sit on a variety of buried layers including crusts and surface hoar. The bond between the new snow and these layers is variable.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The February surface hoar is buried 120-150cm at treeline. This interface has been strengthening and becoming harder to trigger, but shallow snowpack areas are still a concern. Cornices or smaller avalanches could step down to this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 6