Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2017 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A minimal freeze is expected overnight on Saturday and the chance for strong radiation on Sunday will keep the danger at the Considerable danger.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are forecast to cool over the next few days with freezing levels dropping to around 1500m. A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries should be expected but there wont be too much accumulation. Winds will continue to be moderate at upper elevations out of the SW. Clouds are forecast to remain in the region overnight, so we arent expecting to get a good freeze at lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was noted on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

There was a minimal freeze overnight and light snow (rain at lower elevations) was falling throuhgout the day although accumulations were limited. Winds did increase out of the west and as a result we can expect the windslab problem to be a bit more widespread in alpine areas. Overall the mid-pack of the snowpack is fairly strong but its sitting overtop of a weak sugary basal layer that is up to 50cm thick in some areas. Thin areas are places to avoid where you may be able to trigger this weakness. At this time of year, the quality of the freeze overnight as well as the temperature and input of solar radiation can have a profound impact on stability. If there is a poor freeze overnight expect stability to decrease quickly as temperatures warm up. Pay close attention to the aspect you are travelling on and what is overhead. Steep solar aspects will decrease in stability quickly as the sun comes out so start early and finish early.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides should be expected on solar aspects as the day warms up.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Winds overnight and during the day on saturday have stiffened up the existing windslabs and even developed them down into treeline.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This deep layer is still a threat in any avalanche terrain that hasn't previously avalanched.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger deep slabs.Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2017 2:00PM