Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 26 – 27, 2013Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise on solar aspects as daytime heating and intense solar radiation occur. Winter-type avalanche problems, such as wind slabs, remain at higher elevations, especially on northerly aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Buried wind slabs are a concern in steep, convex and unsupported features. These slabs are hidden under previous snowfalls so take time to dig down and evaluate their presence and sensitivity. Compression tests today show moderate to hard results.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Cornice failures continue to be a theme, with several failures triggering slab avalanches in the past week. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation.

Weather Forecast

A thin layer of cloud is likely Wednesday with continued light winds. Freezing levels will climb to 2250m. No precipitation is forecasted.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed today.

Confidence

Good

Snowpack Summary

Sun crusts are present on SE, S, SW and W aspects. These crusts are melting each day and reforming at night. Cold, dry snow remains on northerly, sheltered slopes. Stability tests today show a moderate shear down 15cm and a hard shear down 35cm. These interfaces remain a concern where wind slabs exist in steep and unsupported terrain. Cornices are large in many areas.

Regions covered