Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2014–Apr 22nd, 2014

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

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Weather forecasts are uncertain, but Tues could produce a spring avalanche cycle due to very warm temperatures, a poor freeze Mon night, periods of sun and periods of rain. Avoid avalanche terrain when the snowpack is warm and avoid overhead hazard.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday is expected to be warm with sunny patches and a chance of light rain showers. The snowpack is not expected to get a good freeze tonight, and freezing levels on Tuesday could climb to 3000 metres. Winds are forecasted to gust up to 50km/h from the SW. Wednesday should be significantly cooler with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of -4 degrees in the Alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new reported or observed.

Snowpack Summary

Spring conditions. The snowpack is settling and grass is beginning to show at lower elevations. Surface crusts are melting during the day and then re-forming at night. The snowpack has gone isothermal at lower elevations on the warmer days and crusts are found to at least as high as 2500 metres on North aspects and much higher on solar aspects. Where cornices exist they are large and sagging.

Avalanche Problems

Wet Slabs

Extremely high freezing levels on Tuesday coupled with periods of solar radiation will likely result in wet slab and loose wet avalanches. The snowpack could deteriorate early in the day as it is not expected to freeze well overnight.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >Plan to be off big slopes before the temperatures rises and the snowpack deteriorates.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Spring conditions have awakened the basal weak layers. Full depth avalanches are possible when the temperature is warm and/or the solar heating is intense. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to solar aspects overhead, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.>Choose the deepest and strongest snowpack areas on your run.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 6