Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 23rd, 2012–Apr 24th, 2012

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Kananaskis.

Isothermal conditions exist at lower elevations and no freeze is expected Monday night. The biggest concern remains the decrease in stability related to heating of the snowpack through warm temperatures, solar radiation or rain (later in the week).

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will remain very high (over 3100m) through the night and slowly begin to drop midday on Tuesday. Winds will remain strong form the SW. A small chance of very light flurries or rain is possible.

Avalanche Summary

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Crusts are breaking down each day as the temperature warms up. Decreases in stability will first appear on solar aspects then spread to all aspects as temperatures climb. Keep an eye on overhead terrain that is already in the sun.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are sagging in the current heat wave. Cornice failures could be large enough triggers to activate the deep weak layers in the snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

A few 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 big pulse of heat forecasted for the next two days.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 4 - 7