Kananaskis

Wind slabs overlying the Mar 24th weak layer (crust, facets) is the biggest concern right now. Take the time to evaluate this interface before committing to steeper terrain.

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Surface wind slabs vary in density from soft (4 finger) slabs at Treeline to denser and thicker slabs in the Alpine. These slabs vary in depth from 80cm in the Alpine to 40cm at 2100m. There was some isolated cracking withing these slabs on the Mar 24th crust. Speaking of the Mar24th, it is everywhere, and thick. Today it was found as high as 2450m (our high point) where it was about 5cm thick and very firm. Lower down at 2100m it was down about 40cm and wasn't bonding especially well to the new snow. This will be the layer to watch as spring moves on. Solar aspects today were softening up by noon with pinwheeling on steeper, south facing ski lines. Below 2100m the snowpack was going moist by mid-afternoon.

Sunday should be cloudy with light flurries. Total snow accumulations could range between 4 and 12cm, depending on which forecast you believe. Winds will start the day at strong from the west, and then decrease to moderate for the afternoon. Daytime highs should be around -3C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.