Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 11 – 12, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Spring temperatures return for the week end. Expect an avalanche hazard roller coaster as our snow pack goes through two melt/freeze cycles.

We are approaching Spring like conditions. This means start early and finish early with your adventures. Check out what Spring conditions is all about at: https://avalanche.ca/spring-conditions

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are most likely found in lee features and cross loaded features. You might even find them on all aspects because of the variation of the most recent wind event.

  • 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. Dont 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

Freezing levels crept up to about 2400m today. Crusts are still found on all aspects below 2400m, and higher on solar aspects. Wind slabs are found in alpine areas along ridgelines and in lee and cross-loaded features. Below treeline has turned into a Spring snowpack with a solid crust when it is cold and moist snow on solar aspects. Be aware of wet loose avalanches on solar aspects later in the day.

Weather Summary

Flurries starting tomorrow morning and running all day long. Only trace amounts expected. Winds will be light from the SW and occasionally gust to about 20km/hr at treeline. On paper, temperatures will approach zero, but in reality they will creep a bit higher than that. Especially if the cloud breaks up.

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.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Regions covered