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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 28th, 2020–Mar 29th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.