Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
This latest storm has dropped 25cm of snow along with strong winds. Rain up to 2100m. Approach all terrain with caution and investigate how the new snow is bonding.
Confidence
Low -
Weather Forecast
Monday is to bring mainly cloudy skies with 5cm of snow. Temperature will climb to -12c by mid day and drop to -23c by Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to be light from the SW and increasing for Tuesday.
Avalanche Summary
Several size 2 avalanches were observed along the Spray Road. The most impressive was the avalanche control on EEOR (Mt. Rundle). Five out six charges that were dropped created avalanche and covered the road. Road will be closed to at least 4pm on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
The rain over the week end penetrated the snow pack up to about 2100m and created a crust on the surface when the temperature dropped.Above 2100m, there was up to 25cm of new snow. Extensive winds were associated with the storm and has left widespread wind slabs in the alpine and into tree line. Below 1700m, the snow pack was still wet below the surface crust. Please stay tuned this week as we get a handle on how this recent storm is bonding and how the snow is reacting. Right now, things are reactive out there and the alpine and tree line should be approached with caution.
Terrain and Travel
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
The new load will stress this layer. Let it settle and avoid exposure to big terrain. Any storm slab that releases has the potential to wake up this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5