Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2012 4:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Start early to beat the heat! Stability rapidly deteriorates when the sun comes out so get out the door early and get home early so you can avoid being out when stability is poor. Sunscreen and skin wax are essential!

Summary

Confidence

Good - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The ridge will begin to break down on Monday as a weak pacific frontal system begins to push into the region. Alpine temps will remain cooler and freezing levels will be around 1900-2000m. Winds will continue in the light range out of the sw. No major precipitation is expected with this system until late in the day on Monday when we may see a few cm of snow fall. The sun will likely poke through the clouds a few times on Monday so watch for rapid decreases in stability when it does come out.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry and loose wet sluffing up to size 1.5 on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm recent HST at treeline and above. Isolated soft slabs in high alpine and isolated treeline features. HST settling rapidly. Moist snow on all aspects below 2300m. April 11th temperature crust down 20-30cm and supportive in areas traveled. Over 300cm of HS at 2400m in the Murray Moraines area.

Problems

Loose Wet

A few loose wet slides up to size 1 on lower elevations on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent variable winds have formed pockets of windslabs up to 50cm along ridgelines and in cross loaded features in Alpine terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak crystals still linger at the base of the snowpack that could wake up from large triggers such as cornices or a smaller avalanche stepping down. Any avalanche occurring this deep in the snowpack would have devastating consequences for a skier.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2012 9:00AM