Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
Up to 10cm of snow is forecast to fall over the next 24hrs generally light winds. Pay attention to freezing levels as some snow may fall as rain at lower elevations. Solar radiation is strong, pay attention to solar features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.
Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Cornices are large and looming. When the solar radiation is strong and/or the air temperature rises, cornice collapses could be a major concern.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
Avalanche Problem 3: 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 avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
A supportive melt/freeze crust was found on all aspects up to 2000m and even higher on solar aspects. This crust did begin to break down later in the morning as temps warmed up. Good skiing with dry snow was found on due North aspects in sheltered areas above 2100m. The beginning of corn snow was forming with the daytime heating in open terrain at lower elevations. The March 15th crust down 30 to 50cm on solar aspects in isolated terrain is still a concern, thus approaching these slopes with caution is advised. Cornices are large and are feeling the heat of the April sun, and should be avoided.
Weather Forecast
Forecasts are calling for a bit of snow on Thursday with up to 10-12cm forecast for the treeline elevations. Skies will likely be cloudy with a freezing level expected to climb up to 1900m throughout the day.
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Watch for wind slabs in Alpine especially near cross-loaded gullies and immediately below ridge-lines. These slabs may become more sensitive to triggering as the temperatures rise during the day.