Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Start early and finish early. Avalanche hazard will decrease rapidly with solar radiation.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is forecast to be cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures are expected to be around -6c with light westerly winds. Freezing level will be at 2000m.

Avalanche Summary

No observations today.

Snowpack Summary

Within the top 10cm of the snowpack, a temperature crust exists to approximately 2200m. The main concern is a 30-40cm slab that is sitting on the April 13 melt/freeze crust. The interface is slowly gaining strength but is still a concern for triggering avalanches. Stronger solar radiation is expected for Wednesday which in turn can produce wet avalanches on solar aspects and possibly trigger the most recent storm slab. Start early and finish early.

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-40cm slab sitting on top of the April 13 melt/freeze crust. These storm slabs could also be triggered by solar radiation.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Keep an eye out for rapidly increasing solar radiation.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Keep a safe distance from overhead cornices.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2018 2:00PM