Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 12 – 13, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Day time warming is a major consideration for avalanche hazard right now. If the temperatures spike, the moderate rating could easily jump to considerable with wet loose avalanches being the additional concern. Keep those thermometers handy.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs are found in lee features and on bigger, planar slopes there may be some cross loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    The Feb crust has been the main bed surface for many avalanches this winter. Slopes and features that have not slid should be treated cautiously or just avoided. Dig and look.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Facets near the base of the snowpack may be triggered from thin areas and this season there are lots of thin areas. Don't try to outsmart the snowpack and stick to conservative terrain until we get into a good spring diurnal cycle.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline is basically in full spring with a steadily shrinking, near isothermal snowpack. At about 2000m the snow still feels wintery with several layers being apparent. All solar aspects have a 10cm surface crust with a very slight dusting of recent, dry snow. Starting at treeline, the polar aspects still have dry snow. There has been some wind transport near ridges in the last 48 hours that's built new windslabs in immediate lee areas. Cornices are continuing to grow as these winds continue.

Weather Summary

Beautiful day in store for Saturday. Some thin cloud will hopefully limit the solar input and buy some time before the snow starts to soften. Overnight low of -6, with a mid morning warm up to above zero. Daytime high of +3. No snow is expected in the next few days. Light winds all day, except for some gusts near alpine ridges.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Regions covered