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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2018–Apr 22nd, 2018
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Kananaskis.

Spring has sprung! The snowpack is now considered to be in "spring conditions". This means it will swing from low avalanche hazard in the morning to high avalanche hazard as the snowpack warms. Starting early is critical to safe mountain travel.

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

The next week we will settle into a spring weather pattern. Warm days and cool nights will put the snowpack through a daily freeze/thaw cycle.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

The forecasted storm lacked the punch we were expecting. Crusts and cornices are the main concern at the moment, and for the rest of the spring. Any new snow that does come in will sit on a crust and will be reactive for a day or two after the snow. As we move through spring, temperatures largely dictate the snow stability and avalanche hazard. Once the frozen snowpack warms up and melts, hazard will rapidly increase.  Future storms will certainly offer more snow, but these will only pose short term concerns immediately after, or during the storm.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Sun, warm temps and rain will contribute to loose wet avalanche. Avoid avalanche terrain when any of those conditions exist.
If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Cornices

This year's crop is the biggest in recent memory. Give them lots of respect, regardless if it sunny or not. Avoid being under, or on top of them.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3