Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Sunny conditions on Wednesday will lead to rising avalanche danger on solar aspects. Time your trip appropriately and be aware of overhead terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunny periods are expected Wednesday with winds shifting from the NE to the W. Temperatures at ridgetop will be near -12 and no precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches, but observations were extremely limited.

Snowpack Summary

Trace amounts of new snow overnight. Wind slabs are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain at higher elevations. Isolated pockets of wind slab are also found on S aspects. Previously formed crusts persist.

Problems

Loose Wet

Sunny periods Wednesday will lead to a rapid destabilization of the snow on solar aspects. Wet avalanches are expected.

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

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Storm slabs up to 60cm thick are present at and above treeline in lee and cross-loaded features. Thin slabs are also found on South aspects due to recent Northerly winds. Carefully evaluate the bond between these slabs and the crusts beneath.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2013 2:00PM