Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2014 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Pay lots of attention to the intensity of the solar radiation at this time of year. Avoid solar aspects later in the day.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another clear day is forecast for Monday before a storm hits us once again on Tuesday. Freezing levels are forecast to be around 1900m but the sun will definetly have an impact on stability later in the day. Pay close attention to overhead terrain.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose wet slides up to sz 1 were observed as well as a few new sz 2 slab avalanches from thin rocky terrain on solar aspects at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Dry powder snow can still be found on north aspects but below 2200m, expect to be skiing on top of a supportive crust. On all other aspects, expect to encounter a surface crust right up to the peaks. Some lower angle slopes that arent pure north look to be giving good skiing also eg, Sparrowhawk. The basal facets are still a concern as is demonstrated here in this video

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Thin steep terrain is the main place where forecasters are still aware of a potential problem with this interface.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

As deeper spring avalanches initiate, this layer will become more of a concern. As of yet, we have only seen isolated activity on this interface.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

4 - 6

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2014 2:00PM