Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday
Weather Forecast
No new snow is forecast over the next 24hrs and temperatures are still forecast to remain cool. Winds will continue to be strong out of the SW which will help to keep the snowpack cooler but when the sun comes out, stability will quickly deteriorate on solar aspects, especially steeper or rocky terrain.Â
Avalanche Summary
A few loose wet slides were observed that had likely come out after the forecasting day on Thursday. Otherwise, there were no new avalanches on friday.Â
Snowpack Summary
Only a skiff of new snow over the past 24hrs. Of note the winds were howling (aka strong) out of the SW at higher elevations. Widespread snow transport was observed in alpine terrain and as a result new windslabs were forming at higher elevations on lee aspects. Temperatures remained somewhat cool but we did see some moist snow later in the afternoon on solar aspects. On Thursday the warm temps had moist snow up to 2400m on all aspects. As a result, surface crusts should be expected in most areas making the skiing challenging. Dry powder snow is pretty much only likely in high alpine areas on North aspects. On solar aspects, crusts are bing observed up to 2700m.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3