Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 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.

Tuesday should bring mostly sunny conditions. This will lead to an increase in avalanche danger on solar aspects. Watch for storm slabs in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Mostly sunny skies are expected Tuesday with freezing levels near 1800m. Winds will be light from the NW.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but a skier-triggered size 2.0 slab avalanche occurred in the North Bowl of Tent Ridge yesterday. This was on an E aspect at 2300m and is likely associated to wind loading on a crust. Photo on Facebook.

Snowpack Summary

1cm of new snow overnight at treeline. Crusts remained intact today due to cool temperatures and thin overcast conditions. Isolated soft slabs are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and open areas at treeline.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs up to 40cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded features at higher elevations. A size 2.0 skier accidental slab avalanche occurred on Tent Ridge on Sunday.

Use caution on N and E aspects.>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.>Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2013 2:00PM