Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 11 – 12, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Winds continue to strip and load lee features, mostly in the alpine. Great skiing can still be found in sheltered locations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    These will build quickly with the increasing winds tomorrow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Carefully evaluate the bond with the Feb 19th crust down 40 to 60cm. Recent wind loading will make this problem more reactive, as will periods of intense solar input.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Day time high's around -10. Up to 5cm of snow. Winds will be 20km/h out of the Southwest. Gusting to 40km and dying off Saturday evening. You can expect clouds to be in and out throughout the day.

Avalanche Summary

No field teams today and no reports of any avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Steady moderate SW winds have contuined to build wind slabs in lee and crossloaded aspects. These seem reasonably well bonded, but in shallow areas they are more reactive. Treeline and below still feel quite settled with only localized windslabs being a problem. The crust is still the main concern and deserves respect as there are likely loose sugary facets on top of it. Solar aspects at all elevations should be evaluated. It is down 30-40cm now.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Regions covered