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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 16th, 2014–Mar 17th, 2014
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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
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.

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

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. 

Avalanche Problems

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

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