Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Spring conditions out there right now. This means that avalanches problems are heavily related to solar radiation, daytime heating and/or rain. We will likely experience a bit of all of those weather conditions over the next few days.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Light flurries continue through Wednesday night with freezing levels dropping to 1800m. Thursday will see very light, intermittent flurries with freezing levels climbing to 2200m. winds will be light to moderate from the West.

Avalanche Summary

Observation were very limited today, but no new avalanches were observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 3cm of new snow at treeline over previous surfaces, most of which are crusts. the only exception to this is higher elevation true North aspects. Although the overnight recovery was limited, crusts were breaking down only at lower elevations due to a lack of solar radiation today.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar aspects have been producing wet avalanches over the past week due to intense solar radiation and daytime heating. Cloudy conditions will minimize this effect, but slides are still possible at lower elevations due to warm temps and rain.

Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast rain and/or warm temperatures.>Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and sagging after the recent warm temperatures. Cornice failures have triggered slabs on the underlying slopes in the past week. Be aware of overhead exposure especially during times of intense solar radiation or rain.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2013 2:00PM