Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2018–Apr 18th, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

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

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.

Avalanche 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