Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 27th, 2012 4:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Freezing levels are forecast to drop over the next few days allowing the snowpack to recover some strength. When the sun does come out right now stability rapidly decreases so start early, watch your thermomotor, and keep and eye on the aspect.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are beginning to cool down this weekend as a high pressure ridge begins to push into the forecast region. Freezing levels will drop overngiht allowing for a good recovery in snowpack strength. No new precipitation is expected and skies are likely going to be broken with some sun poking through now and then. As freezing levels and temperatures rise throughout the day, stability will decrease.

Avalanche Summary

Sz 2 observed on the treed ridge east of Black Prince facing the Smith Dorrien HWY. Avalanche was likely triggerred by the rain, failing on ground taking out mature timber. Also, a sz 3 avalanche was observed on the S aspect of Heros Knob running full path, crossing the valley floor and taking out timber on the opposite side. Numerous loose wet slides were also observed on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack going isothermal in many areas below treeline. Some isolated flurries above 3000m over the past 48hrs but very little accumulation. With a minimal freeze over the past few days the thin crusts that did exist are breaking down earlier and earlier each day.

Problems

Loose Wet

Minimal freeze over the past few days combined with rain has caused numerous loose wet slides on all aspects just barely reaching into the Alpine. Some of these loose slides are stepping down and pulling out wet slabs at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Warm days may re-awaken some of the deeply buried weak layers lingering at the base of the snowpack. There has been no recent activity on this layer but that could change will the continued warm temperatures and rain in the forecast.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2012 9:00AM