Special Avalanche Warning

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Avalanche Forecast - Kananaskis Country   

Date Issued   Sunday, 25 March 2012 11:00 PM      Valid Until    Monday, 26 March 2012 4:00 PM

Heavy snowfall and/or rain are forecast for Monday with freezing levels as high as 2300m. If these weather conditions occur, avalanche hazard will rise rapidly through the day. Pay attention to localized conditions.

Danger Rating: Monday Alpine Treeline Below Treeline
4 - High Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
3 - Considerable Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making essential.
3 - Considerable Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making essential.
Tuesday Wednesday
Alpine 3 - Considerable 3 - Considerable
Treeline 3 - Considerable 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Confidence: Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday
Learn more about danger ratings
Loose Wet
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Heavy wet snow and/or rain are expected on Monday. Avalanche danger will rise rapidly if this weather condition comes true. Loose wet avalanches are expected, especially at lower elevations.
Storm Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Storm slabs are expected to begin forming with the arrival of the warm snow and moderate NE winds on Monday. Reverse wind loading is a strong possibility. Rapid loading is likely according to the weather forecast.
Persistent Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
The Feb surface hoar is buried 120-150cm at treeline. Field tests are showing that this layer is strengthening and becoming harder to trigger, but shallow snowpack areas are still a concern. Cornices or smaller avalanches could trigger this layer.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
  • Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Prepared by jeremy.mackenzie