Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 5 – 6, 2021Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Start early and finish early. The snow will warm rapidly on solar aspects increasing the hazard through the day. Watch for higher hazard levels on slopes facing the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Wind slabs are widespread under the recent 10cm of snow. Previous to the snowfall these slabs were failing down 20 to 40cm in the moderate range.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    With intense solar radiation and warm daytime temperatures, cornices will become fragile. Simple answer is: stay away.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    When the sun comes out expect a quick deterioration on solar aspects. Freezes have been marginal down low lately, which also contributes to the quick change.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will start off cloudy and then clear around midday. Daytime highs should be near -1 with freezing levels reaching 2200m. Winds will increase through the day from light to strong out of the SW.

Avalanche Summary

A few small naturally triggered wet slides occurred on solar aspects today.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 12cm of new snow overlies widespread wind slabs in the Alpine, as well as some at Treeline. On solar aspects the surface snow has turned moist by midday. Later in the day on Tuesday the wind will pick up speed and begin to form new surface slabs in the Alpine.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid steep convex slopes.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Regions covered