Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 28 – 29, 2020Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

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.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

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

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    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.

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.

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.

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.

Regions covered