Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Spring is here! Early starts should now be the norm for those getting out. Stability will decrease throughout the day as temps warm up. These decreases in stability will be most apparent on solar aspects so you caution. Sun screen is a good idea.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

We may see a few cm of snow along the divide but precipitations amounts are not expected to be that significant. Freezing levels will be much the same on Friday as they were on Sunday at or around 1900m. The sun is forecast to come out so there will be a decrease in stability throughout the day as temperatures warm up. These decreases in stability will be most apparent on solar aspects. Winds will increase into the moderate range out of the SW throughout the day.

Avalanche Summary

No new Obs

Snowpack Summary

Cool temperatures kept the crust intact throughout most of the day on Sunday with only minimal decreases in stability. Dry powder snow still being found on north aspects down to 2100m.

Problems

Loose Wet

Crusts will break down and loose wet slides will occur on solar aspects each day as daytime heating and solar radiation increase. Over the last couple of days avalanches began to occur between 10:00 and 11:00am. Plan your travel accordingly.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have formed pockets of wind slab 20 to 50cm thick along ridgelines and in cross loaded features at higher elevations. These slabs will especially reactive in areas overlying the previous melt freeze crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak crystals still linger at the base of the snowpack that could wake up from large triggers such as cornices or a smaller avalanches stepping down. Any avalanche occurring this deep in the snowpack would have devastating consequences for a skier.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2012 9:00AM