Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Mar 4 – 5, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Snow and wind are increasing the hazard.  Careful route selection is recommended. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    We're using wind slabs as a catch all term at the moment. Storm slabs are out there from the new snow and continuing winds , as are the deeper buried windslabs from last week. Storm slabs are in immediate lees, and the wind slabs are more widespread.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Additional load will increase the chance of this layer waking up.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Similar to the persistent problem above, the new load may make this layer "touchier". Another consideration is a smaller avalanche triggering the deeper layers.

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

An additional 10cm snow is forecast Saturday night with moderate winds. On Sunday, light snow and ridge tops winds of 15km/h with gust up to 40 km/h. Alpine temperatures are expected to be -9c.

Avalanche Summary

Very limited observations due to poor visibility. We are expecting some loose/dry and slab avalanches associated with these conditions.

Snowpack Summary

We have had up to 50cm of snow in the alpine in the last few days. Wind associated with this snowfall is creating storm slabs in the alpine and open areas (in places, these wind slabs may be buried). Cross loaded features and lee pockets can have significantly more snow creating even deeper storm slabs. Cornices are growing and have the potential to wake up deeper layers if they break off. Human triggered avalanches are very likely right now. Sheltered and non-exposed areas can provide good skiing.

Regions covered