Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2013 9:10AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Fresh soft slabs and loose dry deposits of storm snow in the alpine will be a concern for another day. Snowfall amounts will taper off for the start of the weekend. Watch for solar effects on steep sun exposed slopes if cloud cover clears off.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

The Pacific system has lost some of its punch and we do not expect to see as much snow as had been in the previous forecasts. Winds however will keep moving the lose dry snow moving around onto lee aspects and forming new and thicker soft slabs. Temps will remain cool at higher elevations but there may be some concern for loose wet avalanche activity on steep solar aspects below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

A few Size 2 settlement slabs on steep solar aspects failing on the April 10 crust layer. A few loose wet slides to Size 1 on steep solar aspects below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds all day Friday resulted in redistribution of yesterdays storm snow onto lee slopes and gullies. Cool temps kept the snow at and above treeline dry and susceptible to winds.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs between 10-40cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded features at higher elevations. These slabs are still sensitive to human triggering, especially where they sit on a old crust layer.� Moderate SW winds are forming new storms slabs

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2013 2:00PM