Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2016 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Temperatures are forecast to cool on monday afternoon so the snowpack will slowly start to gain strength. We are into a spring pattern now with stability decreasing during the day based on temperature, rain or solar influence. Start EARLY!!!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Forecast for Monday. Cloudy with scattered flurries.Accumulation: 5 cm.Alpine temperature: High 1 °C.Ridge wind west: 35 km/h gusting to 90 km/h.Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches on all aspects except including pure north alpine. A few other deep persistent avalanches up to sz 3 were also noted fail on ground. Some are running full path taking out mature timber at the end of the runouts.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread crusts can be found on all aspects except for true north above 2400m. These crusts on south aspects are up to 20cm thick and fully supportive. As temperatures warm up during the day, these crusts are breaking down, loose wet avalanches begin to occur and as the heat penetrates deeper into the snowpack, deep slab avalanches become likely. There is a brief window between the two wherein there is good corn snow skiing but your timing has ton be bang on. Lower elevations are turning into a full on isothermal snowpack.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The heat being pushed into the snowpack is waking up the deep basal layers triggerring some larger avalanches that are failing at the ground. This is during the heat of the day. Quality of the overnight freeze is important to consider.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides are pulling out slabs on lower slopes. Some of these slabs are deep persistent failing at ground.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

The few cornices that havent falling are just waiting too... Avoid them.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2016 2:00PM