Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2014 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

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Kananaskis.

Warm temps and strong winds are forecast for Monday.  The warm temps may decrease stability on solar aspects as conditions warm up so keep a keen eye on overhead slopes in relation to the sun.  Best skiing is on North aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures and strong SW winds are forecast for Monday.  Freezing levels are forecast to climb up to 2200m (roughly treeline) so we can expectr there to be some decreases in stability later in the day as conditions warm up.  Cloudy skies are forecast but if the sun does come out, expect there to be a rapid decrease in stability on solar aspects related to this daytime warming.  No new snow is forecast.

Avalanche Summary

One new sz two slide was observed on a N aspect in the Goat range towards the northern end of the forecast region.  This slide failed in facets on rocks at the ground but was likely triggerred by a cornice collapse.

Snowpack Summary

Very little change out there of late.  Temperature crusts are being found on all aspects up to 2000m and up to ridgelines on solar aspects.  The 0210 layer is down 100-150cm throughout the forecast region and despite a decline in recent natural activity on this layer, it is still our main concern in the snowpack.  We are not into a cycle of good melts and freezes and a true spring snowpack as of yet.  Conditions are still very wintery at this time...

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
This layer is still sensitive to trigger from thin or weak snowpack areas which are plentiful in KCountry.  Choose routes that avoid thin spots especially on solar aspects later in the day. 
Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Loose wet slides will occur as temperatures warm up.  These smaller slides may step down and initiate a slab on deeper weak layers.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2014 2:00PM

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