East Kakwa

Ongoing snowfall and wind will continue to build wind slabs in exposed terrain

No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year.

We received a MIN report from Tumbler Ridge area, pointing to reactive slabs on facets. It's unclear at this point if this weak layer is forming a uniform bed surface for avalanches to fail on. You can learn more in our recent conditions update here. See MIN details here.

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 has accumulated in the past week. Recent westerly winds have built deeper deposits in exposed, wind-loaded terrain.

This new snow may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust formed during the recent cold, clear weather.

Data is limited at this time of year, but to our knowledge, the mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-bonded, containing several crusts from earlier in the season.

Average snow depths at treeline range from 40 to 80 cm and decrease dramatically at lower elevations.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °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.