Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 6, 2018Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

New snow is forecast to arrive over the weekend are temps are forecast to slowy rise.  Pay attention to localized winds as lots of snow is available for transport.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Wind slabs are being encountered along ridgelines in alpine terrain.  These slabs do not extend far downslope but are present in immediate lees. Use caution at the entrances to runs. 

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Cornices are large and looming over slopes at the moment. Keep an eye on these if the sun comes out. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    The March 15th melt-freeze crust, buried 30-50cm on solar aspects, could be an issue on bigger slopes, particularly in the Alpine. Evaluate the snowpack for the presence/absence of this problem layer before committing to a terrain feature.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud.Precipitation: Nil.Alpine temperature: High -6 °C.Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.Freezing level: 1700 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Forecaster were able to trigger a large cornice collapse while travelling along a ridge on Wednesday indicating that they are large and reactive to skiers.  Use caution around these beasts.  Otherwise, only loose dry avalanches up to sz 1 from steep unskiable terrain were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting continues in the upper snowpack due to the cold temperatures.  This is certainly helping the ski quality!  Isolated windslabs are being encountered along ridgelines but do not extend far downslope.  Cornices are very large for this time of year.  Also the March 15th crust is down 40-60cm on solar aspects up to peaks and the bond with the overlying snow is variable.  Dig down and test this layer....A new thin melt freeze crust formed on solar aspects on Thursday that may make the skiing a little more...hooky and challenging.

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