East Kakwa

Fresh, reactive wind slabs are brewing up high. Down low, early-season terrain is a rugged maze—plan your access wisely.

No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year. New snow and wind may form fresh, reactive wind slabs on Monday.

Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!

Up to 15 cm of new snow covers faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas and firm wind-affected snow in open areas. A supportive melt-freeze crust is down 20 to 50 cm and exists up to 1300 m, disappearing around 1500 m and higher.

The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere from 40 to 60 cm.

Below treeline, the snowpack tapers significantly, and a rain crust may be found.

Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality—early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks, and stumps are abundant.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. Trace to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 40 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Trace to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. Trace to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.