Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Strong winds and snow will lead to further slab development overnight. This may push the danger rating to CONSIDERABLE if more snow falls than is expected.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A short, but intense burst of precipitation is expected Wednesday evening possibly bringing rain to lower elevations. Thursday will see a mix of sun and cloud, slightly cooler temperatures and moderate NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Storm slabs up to 40cm thick are found in lee and cross-loaded features in alpine and open areas at treeline. Crusts are found on all aspects at all elevations, except for true North aspects. These crusts are of widely varying thickness and strength, but generally provide very fast travel conditions while frozen.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs between 5 and 40cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded features at higher elevations. Additional slab formation is expected overnight Wednesday. Be cautious in areas where these slabs sit on a smooth crust layer.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

As crusts melt with solar radiation, daytime heating and/or rain, wet avalanches are occurring. Be especially cautious in areas that have had little or no overnight freeze. Many slides are failing on the ground and involve the entire snowpack.

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

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging. Recent cornice failures have been triggering slabs on the underlying slopes. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation or rain.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2013 2:00PM