Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 7 – 8, 2016Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Spring Conditions out there right now. We are expecting very high temperatures and clear skies tomorrow. Expect a widespread increase in avalanche hazard very quickly tomorrow.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Cornices become weaker with heat. Don't forget that cornices might be in the sun on the other side of the ridge out of view. The inversion tonight may also reduce the re-freeze tonight.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    These will start to become a problem as soon as the sun hits the slopes, or the temperatures rise.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–6
    The temperature increase will weaken the overlying layers. Expect the problem to ramp up as the daytime heating increases. Wet slabs may be encountered as well.

Weather Forecast

Tonight the freezing level will fall to 1700m. There is also a weak inversion in the forecast for tonight and possibly tomorrow. Tomorrow will have a mix of sun and cloud and no precipitation. The alpine winds will be mostly light, but expect severe gusts up to 85km/hr. The freezing level will rise dramatically and top out at 3500m! A

Avalanche Summary

No direct observations today, however it is almost certain that there were loose wet avalanches in the later part of the day.

Snowpack Summary

Much of the snowpack is now isothermal by mid afternoon, meaning that it is mostly un supportive and extremely weak when not frozen. The recent weather pattern has encouraged a predictable freeze/thaw cycle making for crusty conditions in the morning and a weak, wet snowpack in the afternoon. Freezing levels extended to 2400m yesterday. Today's alpine high reached 10 degrees. Higher elevations that face true north still have a hint of a winter snowpack, although these places are getting to be fewer and fewer.

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