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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 4th, 2013–Apr 5th, 2013
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
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Cloudy conditions will minimize the re-freeze at lower elevations overnight on Thursday.  If rain falls at lower elevations, avalanche danger may rise to HIGH.  When the sun does come out stability decreases quickly so be heads up out there.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

We may see up to 14cm of new snow overnight.  This new precipitation may fall as rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations.  Freezing level is forecast to be around 2200m.  Watch the bond of the new snow to the underlying crust as there may be some fast sluffing in many areas if the snow does arrive.

Avalanche Summary

One Natural cornice collapse was observed in the miners peak area (Bow Valley).  No slab release was initiated below. 

Snowpack Summary

No new snow over the past 24hrs.  Winds were generally light but occasional gusts into the moderate range.  Crusts can be found pretty much everywhere except pure north aspects in Alpine terrain.  Crusts break down QUICKLY when the sun comes out. 

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Solar aspects have been producing wet avalanches over the past week due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating. Cloudy conditions will minimize this effect, but slides are still possible at lower elevations due to warm temps and rain.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging after the recent warm temperatures. Cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes in the past week. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation or rain.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4