Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We are expecting a rapid warming trend tomorrow afternoon. This will be coupled with clear skies. The sun will pack a punch!

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Temps tonight will fall to -12 at 2200m with light westerly winds. Tomorrow will see the freezing level rise to 1900m, with treeline temps settling at -4. The sun will be shining with the odd cloudy period. Expect strong solar input on south & southwest slopes. Winds will diminish as the warm spell approaches.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry & loose wet avalanches were noted today at the lower elevations. They came out of steep rocky terrain where the sun had a big impact.

Snowpack Summary

Today is the first day in a long time that temperatures on the Spray went above 0C. The freezing level reached 2200m for a short period this afternoon. While not a huge input of heat, many solar aspects now have a surface crust. The alpine and treeline windslabs are improving with the moderate temperatures. The relative warmth is helping the various layers bond. Despite the rising temps, we did see a few cm of new snow today from flurries blowing through the area.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Assess steep, unsupported terrain carefully. Especially around ridges.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Steep, rocky terrain will hold the sun's heat and cause loose wet avalanches to become a concern. They could be a problem in themselves, but they could also act as a trigger for slabs.

Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Cornices could start to fail if they see a lot of sun. These kinds of large triggers could cause the deep layers to fail.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2018 2:00PM