Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Feb 24 – 25, 2015Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

As we approach spring, remember that the sun can have a very rapid warming effect on snow. Cornices, wind slabs and loose surface snow can easily fail when exposed to rapid warming.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Steep, convex terrain near ridge crests still pose a concern. Investigate bigger terrain carefully before committing.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–5
    Large triggers have recently impacted this layer in variable depth terrain. Watch for a weak snowpack in alpine areas and anticipate where the thin areas might be. Probing is a valuable tool to figure out snow depth trends.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy with convective cells moving through. Only trace amounts expected. Light winds at ridge top, gusting to 45km/hr. Alpine high of -8. Valley bottom freezing level. We are at the time of year when any solar exposure can have a dramatic and sudden effect on the snow surface. It is also very difficult to forecast for these sunny periods. Watch for sun exposed places, and treat accordingly.

Avalanche Summary

A natural cornice sz 2.5, 2600m, NE aspect, initiated in steep cliffs and entrained snow below. There was widespread pin wheeling and loose wet avalanches from yesterday afternoon's heat. Average size was 1, with a few scattered 1.5's.

Snowpack Summary

Despite yesterday's high of 5 degrees, the snow held in there. We escaped another temperature crust and are left with a new crust on all solar aspects. This new sun crust extends well into the alpine. Valley bottom travel is reasonable with the older breakable crust down only a few cm's. At treeline, northerly aspects still have dry snow with some wind effect in open areas. The alpine has been hit with winds and is mostly breakable windslab on lee aspects (NE-S).

Regions covered