Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2014 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The first big Spring warm-up occurred today producing isothermal snow and a large avalanche cycle up to size 3.0. An approaching cold front will cool things down, but the sun will shine Wednesday. Avoid all avalanche terrain when the snow is moist.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A cold front will move into the region tonight and cool the temperatures. As much as 8cm of new snow is possible overnight. Wednesday will bring aÂ mix of sun and cloud, strong west winds and Alpine temperatures near -6 degrees. Freezing levels should only reach 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle up to size 3.0 was triggered by warming and solar radiation. Both loose wet and loose slab avalanches were observed today. Most of the slides stepped to ground.

Snowpack Summary

Spring conditions. Isothermal snow below treeline on all aspects and on solar aspects at all elevations. Numerous loose wet and loose slab avalanches up to size 3.0 had occurred by midday. Wind slabs are present in Alpine and Treeline terrain on lee and cross-loaded features. Cornices are sagging.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This weak layer has been improving in general, but it will be more touchy during times of intense solar radiation and/or warming. Solar triggered avalanches today failed on this layer and also stepped to ground.

Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Solar radiation is intense at this time of year. Snow stability will deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the sun. Solar triggered avalanches today stepped to ground.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded terrain at Treeline and above. Be cautious in steep terrain immediately below ridge crests.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2014 2:00PM