Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 2018 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

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.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2018 2:00PM