Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
We are facing another warm spell tomorrow through Saturday. Snow stability is directly related to temperature. The danger ratings may change drastically and with little notice if the forecast holds true.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
- Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
If/when the temperatures rise, expect the windslabs to become touchier.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
- Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.
Avalanche Problem 3: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
It is hard to say if this will be an actual problem. But it is easy to say it is should be on your radar. Steep south aspects would be the likely place to encounter them.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new today, but observations were limited.
Snowpack Summary
Overnight alpine winds have continued to reverse load south aspects and strip the northwest sides. Windslabs are now on most aspects and extending below ridgelines. They are also found near the bottoms of large alpine cliffs. Treeline has seen little change as temperatures and winds have remained steady. At both elevations, the crusts are the main concern. However, limited avalanche activity suggests the crusts are still intact and generally well bonded.
Weather Forecast
The big story is the warm weather coming our way. Starting tonight, we are expecting freezing levels to steadily rise. By midday tomorrow the freezing level is expected to reach 2900m. We are also going to see clear skies for the day. Expect some solar input to influence the snowpack. The winds will range from 20-40km/hr at ridge top. The temperatures will remain warm throughout thursday night.
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Depending on when the warm air arrives, this layer may "wake up" as the surface slabs absorb the heat and weaken. South aspects will be more prone to localized weakening. Pay attention to temps and expect rapidly changing conditions.