Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 29 – 30, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Look for increasing Avalanche Danger beyond current ratings as daytime temperatures rise on solar exposed slopes.  Be especially wary of overhead terrain during travels - cornices and loose, wet slides area capable of running long distances.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Cornices are large and sagging after several days of warm temperatures. Recent cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Isolated wind slabs are a concern in steep, convex and unsupported features on northerly aspects. Shallow snowpack areas are possible trigger points.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Steep solar aspects have been producing loose wet avalanches in the past several days due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Strong ridge of high pressure remains in place with no new precipitation, light NW winds and above normal temperatures to continue.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose, wet releases on solar exposed slopes during peak heating periods.

Snowpack Summary

Strong solar radiation effects present on east to west facing slopes.  In lower elevation terrain snowpack is becoming isothermal during peak heating periods but strong overnight freezes allow for good recovery - definitely spring like conditions.

Regions covered