Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 13 – 14, 2014Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Pay lots of attention to the intensity of the solar radiation at this time of year.  Avoid solar aspects later in the day. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Thin steep terrain is the main place where forecasters are still aware of a potential problem with this interface.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    4–6
    As deeper spring avalanches initiate, this layer will become more of a concern.  As of yet, we have only seen isolated activity on this interface.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another clear day is forecast for Monday before a storm hits us once again on Tuesday.  Freezing levels are forecast to be around 1900m but the sun will definetly have an impact on stability later in the day.  Pay close attention to overhead terrain.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose wet slides up to sz 1 were observed as well as a few new sz 2 slab avalanches from thin rocky terrain on solar aspects at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Dry powder snow can still be found on north aspects but below 2200m, expect to be skiing on top of a supportive crust.  On all other aspects, expect to encounter a surface crust right up to the peaks.  Some lower angle slopes that arent pure north look to be giving good skiing also eg, Sparrowhawk.  The basal facets are still a concern as is demonstrated here in this video

Regions covered