Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A warm, wet and windy pulse of weather is possible later on Wednesday. Rain up to 2100m is forecasted.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is likely to bring very strong SW winds, warmer temperatures and rain up to 2100m.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new, but observation were very limited.

Snowpack Summary

Little change from yesterday. Isolated soft slabs exist in lee and cross-loaded terrain in ALP and TL areas. Crusts dominate all aspects except true North. Solar intensity is melting surface snow on all solar aspects.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs up to 40cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded features at higher elevations. A size 2.0 skier accidental slab avalanche occurred on Tent Ridge on Sunday.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

As crusts melt with solar radiation, daytime heating and/or rain, wet avalanches are occurring. Be especially cautious in areas that have had little or no overnight freeze. Many slides are failing on the ground and involve the entire snowpack.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging. Recent cornice failures have been triggering slabs on the underlying slopes. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation or rain.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2013 2:00PM