Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
Conditions are steadily improving, but it's not the typical Spring snowpack yet. Lots of great skiing out there, but steep terrain still requires an analytical approach. Take the time to dig and test before committing to big terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.
- Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
The March 15th melt-freeze crust, buried 30-50cm on solar aspects, could be an issue on bigger slopes, particularly in the Alpine. Evaluate the snowpack for the presence/absence of this problem layer before committing to a terrain feature.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid steep Southerly aspects.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity was observed today.
Snowpack Summary
Trace amounts of new snow in the past 24hrs. Both surface and buried wind slabs are found in the Alpine, but these are not widespread. In some areas the surface snow is exhibiting very little wind effect. Sun crusts on solar aspects remained frozen for much of the day due to cool temperatures and light winds. The March 15 crust is down 30 to 50cm on solar aspects, but has been unreactive for several days. The midpack is very well settled and strong.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures in the Alpine should climb to -8 Celsius with moderate westerly winds. Very light flurries expected for the rest of the week and into the weekend but accumulations will be minimal.
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Watch for both surface and near-surface wind slabs in Alpine terrain. In some cases the buried slabs are well disguised by the low density surface snow. These slabs were formed during a switch from NW wind to SW, so they do exist on multiple aspects.