Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2019 3:43PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

Happy Easter!  The recent snow and winds have built new windslabs in alpine areas.  Solar radiation is forecast to be strong Sunday and Monday so early starts are critical.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

The remainder of the easter weekend is looking clear and warm with no new precip forecast.  Early starts are key right now and people should be paying close attention to aspects they are on or under as temperatures warm up. 

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches up to sz 2 have been observed over the past few days on all aspects below treeline.  Some loose wet have also triggered wet slabs on the underlying slopes.  This is largely due to poor quality of overnight freezes and periods of light rain. 

Snowpack Summary

Snow and strong winds over the past week are keeping windslabs 30-40cm thick a problem in alpine areas.  At treeline and below, the snowpack is generally a moist spring snowpack with its strength largely dependent upon aspect, quality of overnight freeze, day time temperature and issues associated with rapid loading from rain and or new snow.  Place close attention to all of these key aspects when making your a decision and remember, you can always back off and come back another day...or season.  Best skiing is being found on sheltered north aspects where the snowpack is still dry. 

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent snow is building windslabs up to 40cm thick in alpine areas.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Loose wet slabs on all aspects except pure true north alpine.  These loose point releases may trigger a slab on the underlying slope

  • If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
  • Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2019 3:43PM

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