Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The return to winter continues. Watch for reverse wind loading due to persistent NE winds. Storm slabs are a concern on all aspects in the alpine except West.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Continued light flurries for next couple of days with accumulations near 5cm for Monday. Winds will be moderate to strong from the NE and temperatures will remain cool.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing continues in steep terrain, but most avalanches observed today were quite small.

Snowpack Summary

New snow amounts were variable due to the convective nature of the flurries, but average amounts were near 5cm at treeline with storm snow totals near 30cm. Storm slab up to 60cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Isolated thin storm slabs are also found on S aspects due to recent winds. Previously formed crusts are now buried from 5 to 40cm depending on elevation.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs up to 60cm thick are present at and above treeline in lee and cross-loaded features. Thin slabs are also found on South aspects due to recent Northerly winds. Carefully evaluate the bond between these slabs and the crusts beneath.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Sluffing is occurring in steep terrain on all aspects. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2013 2:00PM