Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Spring is seemingly here to stay. Daytime highs and solar input is increasing the loose wet likelihood, especially in late afternoon. When planning a trip, watch the timing of temperature swings and the quality of the overnight freeze.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent activity observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is steadily transitioning to a Spring snowpack.
On north aspects in the Alpine, dry snow can still be found, and weaknesses in the lower snowpack could still be triggered, as these areas have not completely morphed into a Spring snowpack. Otherwise all other aspects and elevations consist of multiple layers of crusts and/or a well settled snowpack. These crusts will break down through the day depending on air temperatures and solar radiation. There are still many areas with basal facets/depth hoar that could awaken if the snowpack gets warm enough.
Timing is everything. As surface crusts break down during the day the avalanche hazard will begin to increase. Start early and finish early.
Weather Summary
The spring swing is in effect. Daytime highs and freezing levels will continue to rise each day, while overnight lows become warmer and shorter in duration. Expect high solar inputs as well, even if skies are cloudy.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
- Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The strong April sun and daytime heating will lead to loose wet avalanches, particularly in steep terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Watch for sheltered northern areas where this layer may still exist. If triggered slabs could step down into the basal layers. Solar aspects could also see full depth releases during times of intense solar radiation and daytime heating.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5