Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
It is starting to feel a little spring like out there and that usually means that the snow will be different depending which aspect you are on.
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
No new avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
A supportive melt/freeze crust was found on all aspects up to 2000m and even higher on solar aspects. Good skiing with dry snow was found on due North aspects in sheltered areas above 2100m. It was a little bit of work to get to it because of the hard melt/freeze crust in the morning. The beginning of corn snow was forming with the daytime heating in open terrain at lower elevations. The March 15th crust down 30 to 50cm on solar aspects in isolated terrain is still a concern, thus approaching these slopes with caution is advised. Cornices are large and are feeling the heat of the April sun, and should be avoided.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday is suppose to be a mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperature of -4c with 15-20km/hr winds from the west, Freezing level is expected to be at 2100m.The sun has a lot of punch this time of year so it might get warmer than forecasted. Some snow is forecast for Thursday but the weather models are not aligned with the amount of snow. Stay tuned!
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Watch for wind slabs in Alpine especially near cross-loaded gullies and immediately below ridge-lines. These slabs may become more sensitive to triggering as the temperatures rise during the day.