Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2014 8:23AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Still good skiing on tucked away north aspects. Between the strong sun and the winds, we can expect quick changes in conditions during the day.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

No significant snow in the immediate future. There may be some convective flurries, but amounts will be small. Temperatures will creep up as we approach next week's heat wave. Daytime highs will be above 0 for valley bottoms. The winds are expected to fade away at ridge top overnight Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated loose wet out of steep solar rocky terrain. No slabs observed

Snowpack Summary

Moderate winds have started to shift the alpine and upper treeline snow. By early afternoon today soft slabs were were forming on N to SE aspects. Crossloading was observed at treeline as well. The warm air has let the temperature crusts creep up in elevation. We can expect to see them up to 2200m by tomorrow. Any slope exposed to the sun will have sun crusts that are building daily. The Feb 10th layer is down 130cm's at treeline and giving hard shears in snow tests. This layer is getting better, but slowly.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

These are still high on the list of problems. It is getting better, but very slowly. Be cautious on steep terrain at treeline. Assess the depth of the layer carefully and treat shallow areas with caution.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

These have just appeared today from last night's wind. At the moment not a huge problem, but they may evolve and become a concern. Start looking for them at treeline and above.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2014 2:00PM