Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2020–Mar 29th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

In response to COVID-19 and the temporary suspension of services, public avalanche bulletins will not be issued for the remainder of the 2020 spring season. Please stay at home to help limit the spread of COVID-19, and to minimize demands placed on the health care system.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

We have some snow in the forecast. By Tomorrow evening there could be as much as 13cm, and by Tuesday almost 30cm. It will start later tonight and continue beyond Tuesday. The winds will initially be 50km/hr from the SW, but fade by Monday. Temperatures tomorrow will be -5 to -2 with a freezing level of 2000m. 

Avalanche Summary

Nothing noted today, however observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

The snow from earlier in the week has settled and bonded with the underlying layers. The windslabs mentioned earlier in the week are still there and have generally improved, but there are still suspect pockets. Steep, alpine roll overs should still be treated with caution. As spring rolls on, expect quick changes during the day. Solar input and/or air temperatures can quickly weaken the snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The older windslabs have improved in the past few days. The incoming snow will quickly form new wind slabs. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep persistent layer is still a concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. A large cornice trigger could also be enough to weak up this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5