Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2018 3:32PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We are expecting some snow tomorrow. How much remains to be seen, as forecasts vary. On a different note, cornices are proving to be an issue with triggering the deep basal layers. Limit exposure to cornice threatened slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Alpine lows will only be -3C tonight. If the forecasted flurries arrive overnight, the surface re-freeze may be minimal. Tomorrow will see more flurries, giving 6cm. The freezing level will rise to 2000m as the front plays through. We may see wet flurries, or even rain/drizzle at lower elevations. Winds will also increase to 65km/hr tomorrow. A daytime high of -3C.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose wet avalanches were witnessed during the hottest part of the day (2pm).

Snowpack Summary

Most areas have a thin surface crust from yesterday's sun. The high alpine and steep north aspects are the only areas that don't have some sort of crust issue. By midday, these crusts were breaking down as soon as they saw a few minutes of sun. Expect these crusts to refreeze tonight. Cornices remain a worry as they are widespread, and large!

Problems

Wind Slabs

Depending on which forecast you use, we may see fresh windslabs build on top of today's crusts. Expect a poor bond with the crust.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2018 2:00PM