Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2013 3:00PM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Cooler temperatures at higher elevations will lessen risk of cornice failures. Light snowfalls expected over next 24-48 hours with moderate winds may form thin windslabs. Daytime heating at and below treeline will be main concern over the weekend.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels dropping to 1600m overnight and rising to 2100m on Saturday.Â Some light snow at higher elevations.Â Rapid deterioration of crusts expected by late AM Saturday.Â Overnight lows in the -7 range at 3000m.Â

Avalanche Summary

A few wet, loose on steep rocky aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Limited obs - overnight lows at treeline dropping just below zero so only thin weak crusts forming which deteriorate by late AM.Â Several centimeters of new snow in areas close to the divide settling out rapidly through the day with rising temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar aspects have been producing wet avalanches over the past week due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating. Cloudy conditions will minimize this effect, but slides are still possible at lower elevations due to warm temps and rain.

Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast rain and/or warm temperatures.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging after the recent warm temperatures. Cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes in the past week. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation or rain.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2013 2:00PM