Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2013–Apr 3rd, 2013

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

The extended period of sunny weather is finally coming to an end. Cloudy skies will contribute to a "tightening" of the snowpack overnight, but watch for small amounts of new snow and the slight possibility of rain tomorrow afternoon.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A change is finally in the air. Wednesday is expected to be a cloudy day with light flurries and moderate west winds. Accumulations should be less than 10cm and rain is possible at lower elevations in the afternoon. Temperatures in the alpine near -7 and freezing levels will reach 2200m late in the day. Thursday night and Friday could see another wave of precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

Several solar triggered slides were observed again today up to size 2.5. These avalanches were in the form of loose wet sluffs, wet slabs and cornice failures that triggered avalanches on the underlying slopes. In shallow snowpack areas avalanches are scrubbing down to ground.

Snowpack Summary

Little change recently in the snowpack. Crusts are widespread on East, South and West aspects and melting during the day at varying intervals based on aspect and elevation. True North aspects hold dry snow, but only at higher elevations. Cornices are large and sagging.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging after more than a week of warm temperatures. Recent cornice failures have triggered 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.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Wet

Solar aspects have been producing wet avalanches over the past week due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating. Cloudy conditions on Wednesday should minimize this effect, but slides are still possible at lower elevations. Rain is possible.

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 - 4