Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2012 4:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

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).

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Apr 24th, 2012 9:00AM