Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Temperatures will cool on Friday slightly but the damage is done. Expect there to be a new surface crust on steep solar aspects up to 2200m that will become a critical layer in our developing snowpack. Caution for windslabs in alpine areas. Keep a close eye on temperatures and sun Friday, if it does come out, the overnight freeze at upper elevations has been poor the past few days.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a sz 2 avalanche occurred over Kidd falls likely triggered by daytime warmth. A loose dry slide also reached valley floor in the King Creek drainage on the approach to the ice climbs.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures over the past few days created moist snow on steep solar aspects up to 2300m. This will become a layer to follow when more snow arrives hopefully this weekend. Wind slabs are present in more specific features in the alpine such as lee features and cross loaded slopes/gullies. The height of snow varies from 40cm of facets to 70cm of more consolidated snow. Early season hazards are all over the place at all elevations. The October crust is close to the ground and has started to break down with facets just above it. This is our layer of concern and would provide a good sliding layer if triggered at the right spot. Thin areas are likely places wherein you could trigger an avalanche right now. These might be at the sides of gullies or edges of slopes. Keep this in mind as you travel!
Weather Summary
Temperatures will cool on Friday with a daytime high of -1C. No new snow is forecast and winds will be just moderate out of the west. See image below.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Avoid steep terrain that is rocky and thin.
- Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Be on the lookout for these when transitioning into the alpine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
This slab is sitting on the October crust which has facets above it and provides a good sliding surface. It is more reactive on N and E aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5