Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
When the sun comes out, solar aspects will see there stability decrease rapidly so avoid being on or under these areas during periods of warming or intense solar radiation.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Cornices are large and looming. When the solar radiation is strong and/or the air temperature rises, cornice collapses could be a major concern.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problem 3: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
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.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid steep Southerly aspects.
Avalanche Summary
One cornice collapse was heard during the day on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm fell over the past 24hrs with generally light winds. This new snow is burying the previous wind slabs in the Alpine that are highly variable in distribution and density, but are most commonly found near ridgelines in lee and cross-loaded terrain. On steep solar aspects in the Alpine there is a 30 to 50cm thick slab overlying the March 15th crust, and though this condition is not widespread there has been some avalanche activity associated to this problem recently. Cornices are large, are feeling the heat of the April sun, and should be avoided. Surface crusts should be expected on solar aspects to the peaks and on all aspects up to 2200m. The best skiing is on sheltered N aspects.
Weather Forecast
Monday is calling for partly cloudy skies, flurries and some sun. So a typical spring day with a bit of everything! Freezing level will be around 2200m with winds out of the west in the moderate range. If the sun comes out, solar aspects will become less stable quickly so keep an eye on the weather, and the aspect you are travelling on or under.
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Wind slabs are being encountered along ridgelines in alpine terrain. These slabs have just been buried by recent snow but are easily encountered. Use caution at entrances to runs.