Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 26 – 27, 2017Alberta Parks

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Avalanche danger

Tue

Wed

Alpine

3 · Considerable

Treeline

2 · Moderate

Below

1 · Low

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Highlights

The hazard ratings are better by definition but the consequences of exposure to large overhead hazard with such a weak basal layer is real.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible - Likely
Size
2–3
Windslabs are being encountered in isolated areas at Treeline and more widespread in the Alpine. Ridgelines, gullies and crossloaded features should be treated with caution and in steeper terrain avoided.
Cornices
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2–3
Deep Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2–4
Forecasters are still avoiding overhead hazard that has not yet released and being very conservative in bigger terrain.

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurriesPrecipitation: Trace.Alpine temperature: High -5 C.Ridge wind west 25 km/h.Freezing level: 2000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches up to sz 2 were observed out of steep unskiable terrain on Sunday. One size 3 was observed today south of the Fortress area.

Snowpack Summary

7-17cm HN and up to 30cm over the past two days. Wind affect in alpine areas but much more isolated at TL and below. New snow settling rapidly with warm temps and steep solar aspects becoming moist by 10:30am. Good skiing can be found on non-solar aspects and sheltered areas.

Regions covered

Kananaskis