Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 13th, 2013–Apr 14th, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Up to 40cm of recent snow has formed storm slabs on N and E aspects, but Northerly winds are now forming slabs on S aspects as well. We have shifted back to winter and while ski quality is excellent, be cautious in wind loaded terrain.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds will be strong from the North on Sunday and snow flurries will continue. New snow accumulations will likely be less than 10cm. Temperatures will be below seasonal with alpine values near -16.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry up to size 1.5 were observed in steep alpine terrain. A size 2.0 avalanche on a SE aspect of Hero's Knob occurred sometime in the past 24 to 36 hours, but obscured conditions made it difficult to determine the trigger and the age of the debris.

Snowpack Summary

Between 10 and 40cm of storm snow now lies on a variety of previous surfaces. This storm snow is settling rapidly and is sluffing in steep terrain at higher elevations. Storm slabs exist on N and E aspects at treeline and above, and slabs are also developing on South aspects due to increasing Northerly winds.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs between 30 and 60cm thick are present at and above treeline between in lee and cross-loaded features. Slabs are also developing on South aspects as winds increase from the North.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Dry

Sluffing is occurring in steep terrain on all aspects. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3