Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2015 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The avalanche danger is variable and can range from Low to High. Traveling early in the day is recommended as conditions can change rapidly due to daytime warming. Pay attention to the integrity of surface crusts formed overnight and rising temps.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Spring time is here in the Rockies. The most important things to keep an eye on are freezing levels, temperatures and solar radiation. We are expecting to see some mixed weather as we move into the weekend and a chance for some snow on Saturday at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Solar triggerred avalanches are becomming more the norm at this time of year. Loose wet slides and potentially loose wet slabs are likely. There may even be a combination of both of these with loose wet slides triggerring slabs on the underlying slopes. These wet avalanches tend to be slow moving but very destructive reaching well down into normal runouts. Keep an eye on the terrain you are on, and travelling under.

Snowpack Summary

Temperature, Aspect and time of day are all relevant at this time. The quality of the freeze overngiht will play a large role in regards to stability. When the snowpack is in its frozen state, the avalanche danger is relatively low-moderate. As it begins to melt, it will become less stable and eventually, the danger may increase to high. Solar aspects will see the biggest changes, especially in steeper, thin, rocky terrain. Northern aspects still have dry powder snow and a generally winter snowpack. Evaluate the terrain and overhead hazard as you travel.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Being found in alpine terrain along ridgecrests.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal facets remain a concern

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Solar triggerred slides, may initiate wet slabs on underlying slopes.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.>Avoid steep Southerly aspects.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2015 2:00PM