Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 4 – 5, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Cloudy conditions will minimize the re-freeze at lower elevations overnight on Thursday.  If rain falls at lower elevations, avalanche danger may rise to HIGH.  When the sun does come out stability decreases quickly so be heads up out there.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    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.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    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.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

We may see up to 14cm of new snow overnight.  This new precipitation may fall as rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations.  Freezing level is forecast to be around 2200m.  Watch the bond of the new snow to the underlying crust as there may be some fast sluffing in many areas if the snow does arrive.

Avalanche Summary

One Natural cornice collapse was observed in the miners peak area (Bow Valley).  No slab release was initiated below. 

Snowpack Summary

No new snow over the past 24hrs.  Winds were generally light but occasional gusts into the moderate range.  Crusts can be found pretty much everywhere except pure north aspects in Alpine terrain.  Crusts break down QUICKLY when the sun comes out. 

Regions covered