Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Bulletins will be issued intermittently for the remainder of the season. Spring conditions - pay careful attention to the destabilizing effects of solar radiation and daytime heating. Time your trip accordingly.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will rise to at least 2000m on Thursday under a mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures should reach -6 in the alpine and a trace of precipitation is expected overnight. Winds will be moderate form the NW.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sluffs on S and SW aspects up to size 1.5. One size 2.0 naturally triggered slab at 2300m on a N aspect in the Goat Range.

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow on steep solar aspects. Wind slabs are still present in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine. Previously formed crusts persist.

Problems

Loose Wet

Sunny periods Thursday will lead to a destabilization of the snow on solar aspects. Wet avalanches are expected.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present in the alpine on lee and cross-loaded features. Isolated thin slabs are also found on South aspects due to recent Northerly winds. Carefully evaluate the bond between these slabs and the crusts beneath.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2013 2:00PM