Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

May 1 – 2, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

This is the last Avalanche Bulletin of the season.Avalanche Danger will be HIGH during times of intense solar radiation, warm temperatures and/or rain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Wind slabs are still found in Alpine areas on lee and cross-loaded features. In most areas these slabs sit on a crust. Take the time to evaluate the bond of the wind slabs to the crusts below.

  • Cornices

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

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Solar aspects are susceptible to increasing avalanche danger each day as solar radiation affect the snowpack. Plan your day to avoid exposure to large sunny slopes in the afternoons. Watch for isothermal conditions at lower elevation on all aspects.

Weather Forecast

Warm and sunny conditions are expected this weekend. This will lead to a significant increase in avalanche hazard during the heat of the days. An avalanche cycle is expected, particularly on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated slab activity up to size 2.0 continues in alpine and treeline areas on N and E aspects. Loose wet slides are anticipated as solar radiation and daytime heating increase. Cornices failures are also possible during warm periods.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is still in transition to spring conditions. At higher elevations wind slabs are still present in lee and cross-loaded features. Numerous layers of crust exist in the snowpack, and these will melt and re-form each day with the daily temperature and solar radiation swings. Cornices are a real concern during warmer periods, and cornice failures could entrain significant snow on slopes below especially when the snowpack is warm. Isothermal conditions will become more prevalent as the season progresses, making for difficult travel and potentially hazardous conditions.

Regions covered