Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

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.

Summary

Confidence

Good

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.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

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.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Cornices

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.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2013 2:00PM