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Backcountry Avalanche Report

Last Avalanche Report Entered On : Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:11:00 PM

Report Valid For Period Starting : Monday, March 15, 2010 until further notice.

This report is for backcountry terrain only. Skiing conditions for facility areas are not included in this report.
For current trail conditions please see our Trail Reports.

Avalanche Danger ScaleMondayTuesdayWednesday
AlpineHighHighHigh
TreelineConsiderableConsiderableConsiderable
Below TreelineConsiderableConsiderableConsiderable

Discussion:

Mostly sunny with a bit of haze today in Kananaskis Country. The solar radiation was very strong during the blue sky periods and temperatures were in the -3 range at treeline. Winds were moderate out of the SW and continued to transport significant amounts of snow.

Up to 50cm of storm snow was deposited in the alpine last week. Due to the strong winds, there are now widespread windslab conditions in alpine and treeline areas. Soft and hard slabs have formed from 30 to 80cm deep on all aspects. Conditions are very touchy out there and forecasters are experiencing cracking, whumpfing and stability tests in the easy range. All of these factors point to conditions ripe for human-triggered avalanches. The most problematic layer continues to be the Feb 9 surface hoar, but areas of previously buried hard slab and sun crust are also concerning. Cornices have grown very large over the last few days. It is time to avoid skiing on or under steep terrain, and limit or eliminate exposure to overhead hazards, including runout zones.

At least two parties were very lucky today. A report of a size 3.0 avalanche near Black Prince today got very close to several skiers, including one person who was partially buried. The second incident occurred in Grizzly Bowl, near Tent Ridge. Two skiers triggered a size 2.5 avalanche on a steep E aspect just below treeline, which remotely triggered a second size 2.5 across the bowl. One member was injured and lost equipment after taking a long ride through sparse trees. Naturally triggered avalanche activity also continued today with several new slides up to size 3.0. Most of the bigger slides are running on N and E aspects, but avalanches have been occurring on all aspects and at all elevations, with many reaching the end of their runouts.

Forecasts are calling for continued warm and sunny conditions for the next few days. Freezing levels will rise to near 2000m. With the current slab conditions and warm weather skier-triggered avalanches are very likely. In addition, avalanche hazard will rise rapidly on solar aspects in the afternoons. Conservative route-finding and safe-travel practices are imperative during this time of instability.

Backcountry Travel Conditions: At lower elevations watch for recently buried hazards. Alpine and treeline areas are mostly affected by windslab conditions. The best place to search for safe, good turns will be sheltered areas at lower elevations.

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Important Notice:
Snowpack structure and stability information is determined from field analysis specific to snow study plot sites. Snowpack structure and stability will vary as you travel throughout mountainous terrain. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveller to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveller, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travellers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

For further information:

Peter Lougheed Park Visitor Centre:
403-591-6322
Barrier Information Visitor Centre:
403-673-3985
Canadian Avalanche Association:
www.avalanche.ca
Emergency 24/7:
403-591-7767 or 911
See our Avalanche Reports Archive here

ISSUED BY: jm

To report on conditions and avalanche observations, or incidents you may observe in Kananaskis Country please contact Avalanche.Safety@gov.ab.ca

 

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