Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A few cm of snow of snow is forecast for overnight on friday. Temps are still cool and winds will continue to have a northerly component. When the sun comes out, it can cause stability to quickly det'r. Keep a keen eye on temps and the skies.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Couldy skies will persist through the weekend with a few isolated cm of new snow expected to fall over both days. Winds will continue to have a more northerly component and temperatures will still be cool.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations on Friday but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Crusty snow in the am turning to moist snow on solar aspects in the afternoon. Wind slabs are still present in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine where it is still very winter like. Previously formed crusts persist in the top 50cm of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present in the alpine on lee and cross-loaded features. Isolated thin slabs are also found on South aspects due to recent Northerly winds. Carefully evaluate the bond between these slabs and the crusts beneath.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2013 2:00PM