Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 7 – 8, 2015Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are in a predictable freeze/thaw cycle right now. North aspects will likely hold dry snow for awhile yet. Some fantastic skiing right now on the right aspects! Just be sure to take advantage of the frozen crusts and avoid the late day sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Crossloaded areas are still concerning.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The sun will weaken the snowpack almost instantly. Limit exposure to sunny slopes. Travel early to avoid the melt.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–5
    This layer is becoming increasingly hard to trigger. In steep terrain, a hidden thin/weak spot could potentially trigger a large avalanche.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will approach 2000m tomorrow with sunny skies. Expect some overnight recovery tonight with a rapid deterioration tomorrow on solar aspects. Winds will be light at all elevations with variable directions. Some isolated flurries can be expected, but no real accumulation.

Avalanche Summary

Some small isolated loose dry avalanches were noted on polar aspects. Of more concern was a number of loose wet avalanches that started around 2pm. These were much bigger(sz2), and limited to steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow from the week-end is hanging in there on polar aspects. Amounts vary with altitude. The alpine has as much as 30cm's in places and treeline has 15-20 on average. Solar aspects and valley bottoms have seen significant heat and settlement, storm snow amounts are shrinking rapidly. Up to treeline, all aspects have a partially refrozen midpack that is supportive. The new snow sits directly on  top of this crust and is bonding reasonably well. The alpine still has a winter snowpack in most places with either moist snow, or low density storm snow on top. Aspect plays a huge role in what you can expect.

Regions covered