Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Start early and finish early. Solar radiation will impact the recent storm snow.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

15cm of snow is forecast by Monday afternoon with mostly cloudy skies. Winds are expected to be westerly at 15-20km/h. Freezing level will be 2200m with an alpine temperature of -3c.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches were observed today on all aspects. One size 2 avalanche was triggered on the interface with the recent snow 40cm down.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40cm of storm snow in the last 48hr is settling rapidly. This storm snow was settling into a soft slab at tree line and above and overlies a melt/freeze on solar aspects.. Moist snow was encountered at 2100m.Â Even with a cloudy day forecast for Monday, expect the solar radiation to come through and affect the snow on solar aspects.Â Carefully evaluate the slopes at tree line and in the alpine for slabs.Â If the solar radiation is strong or if the sun poles out, expect loose wet avalanches to occur.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Cornices are large and looming and become weak with daytime heating. New snow on Saturday combined with warm temps on Sunday may make these features prone to collapse.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2018 2:00PM