Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2013 9:33AM

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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Bulletins will be issued intermittently for the remainder of the season.Solar aspects will experience an increase in Avalanche Danger during periods of intense solar radiation, warm temperatures, or rain. Time your trip accordingly.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Light flurries expected on Tuesday with with winds out of the NW. Freezing levels will reach 1900m. Wednesday should bring warmer temperatures, strong winds and a mix of sun and cloud.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sluffs up to size 1.5 in the past 24 hours. A few slab avalanches up to size 2.0 have also been observed in last 24-48 hours. Most avalanches are occurring on steeper slopes in the alpine, some on N and E aspects and solar triggered slides on the southerly aspects.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 20cm of recent storm snow fell on previously formed crusts. Buried crusts are present on all aspects except above 2100m on N aspects. Moist snow today on solar aspects in the afternoon which will form new surface crusts overnight.

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.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Make your travel plans to take advantage of overnight freezing.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2013 2:00PM