Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 26th, 2013 9:31AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Bulletins will become less regular as the season winds down. Stability changes rapidly throughout the day at this time of year. The quality of the freeze overnight and the temperature are two important factors to consider. Early stars are key!!!

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temps are warmmming up these days as we transition into spring. Convective flurries may give us isolated snowfalls with up to 10cm of snow but the main element to be aware of at this time of year is how hot is it, and what aspect are you on and whats going on in the sun wayyyy overhead when your in the cool valley.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous Loose wet slides up to sz 1.5 on all aspects. A few isolated slabs avalanches up to sz 2.5 on N aspects in Alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Isoltermal snow in the lower elevations and crusts on all aspects but Polar aspects well into the Alpine.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on lee and cross-loaded features. In most areas these slabs sit on a layer of crust. Take the time to evaluate the bond of the wind slabs to the crusts below.

Consider doing the longer alpine ski tours while the ski penetration remains low.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Solar aspects are susceptible to increasing avalanche danger each day as solar radiation and warm temperatures affect the snowpack. Plan your day to avoid exposure to large sunny slopes in the afternoons.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Plan to be off big slopes before the temperature rises and the snowpack deteriorates.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 27th, 2013 2:00PM