Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 9 – 10, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Strong solar radiation and daytime heating will increase the avalanche hazard in the afternoon. Start early and finish early. Sheltered north aspects still exhibit good skiing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent winds and snow will increase wind slab development in the Alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    This layer is less reactive to triggering but still exists in the forecast region. When the sun comes out it may become more reactive. Slides initiated on this interface could step down to basal facets.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Intense solar radiation will quickly destabilize snow on solar aspects. Expect sluffing as soon as the sun pokes out.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed in the past 24hrs but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5cm at treeline overnight brings recent storm snow to 10 to 20cm, but this is settling rapidly with the warm temps. Fresh thin wind slabs can be expected at upper elevations. The recent snow is overlying a thick temperature crust on solar aspects that carries the weight of a skier. East and west aspects have more of a breakable crust and only pure north aspects have dry snow. The March 28th crust is down 20-50cm and found as high as 2600m. Above this elevation on the northern aspects there is still some uncertainty with regards to the basal layers so continue to be curious at this elevation. Intense solar radiation will increase avalanche danger levels especially if there was a poor freeze overnight due to high freezing levels.

Weather Summary

A mix of sun and cloud Thursday with alpine temps topping out around +4C and freezing levels near 2700m. Winds will start the day at moderate from the SW, but increase to extreme (100km/h+) by early evening. No precipitation is expected.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.

Regions covered