Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2014 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

New windslabs are quickly building with the warm temps, new snow and strong winds.  Natural avalanche activity is continuing in Alpine areas.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another 5-6cm of storm snow will likely fall over the next 24hrs with moderate to strong SW winds at higher elevations.  Temperatures are forecast to be -5C ish at the higher elevations so expect new windslabs to build quickly over the next 24hrs.

Avalanche Summary

Visibility was limited throuhgout the day on Sunday but there were a few new sz 2 avalanches observed in Alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of new snow had fallen by the end of the day under the influence of moderate to strong SW winds at treeline and above.  New storm slabs are building in open areas on mainly N and E aspects that will be sensitive to human triggerring. The 0211 layer is now down roughly 80-100cm and continues to produces sheers that range from easy to moderate to hard.  The unpredictable nature of this layer makes it tough to evaluate and requires constant monitoring as you move through the terrain. 

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New wind slabs up to 40cm thick are widespread on lee aspects in alpine and treeline terrain in the new storm snow.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
There has been less activity on this layer of late but dont forget this important interface.  Dig frequently and evaluate this interface.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Choose the deepest and strongest snowpack areas on your run.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2014 2:00PM

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