Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2013 9:04AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

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.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2013 2:00PM