Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 11 – 12, 2019Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating

Highlights

Changes within the snowpack are swift these days. Temperature spikes will cause an almost immediate decrease in snow stability.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    These may become an issue if we get more snow than anticipated. They could rest on a crust, and if so they'll be more sensitive.
  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large triggers could possibly get the layer moving.

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Spring weather is typically unsettled with frequent, and sometimes dramatic weather changes. In the next while, we are expecting some new snow, but amounts vary. With warm temps, this snow will settle rapidly. Timing will be everything if good turns are the goal. Winds will be light and temps will be around zero for the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new from the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack varies in its stability depending on the day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain. In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease. These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong. Cornices could become weak and prone to failure. The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect. Poor freezes mean avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming. Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone. Be sure to asses this layer as you travel. Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!! Start early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day.

Regions covered