Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Highwood Pass.
The snowpack is shallow and weak, with lots of hazard at or just below the surface. Be patient and save the knees and ski-bases. Ice climbers should be aware of overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observed on Monday's road patrol of the spray.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs are found on the surface in wind-prone alpine terrain, and below the surface in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. A few slab avalanches (both human and naturally triggered) in steeper terrain have been noted in recent days. The basal layers of the snowpack are typical of the eastern Rockies for this time of year, and consist almost entirely of facets. Unfortunately this condition is not going anywhere fast, and may be with us for the season.
Weather Summary
Monday evening could see about 4cm of snow with -18 as the overnight low. Tuesday will be cloudy with sunny periods, High of -16 and 30km/h winds out of the West.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are expected in terrain along ridgelines and in gullied areas. Feel for that drummy or hollow snowpack under your feet. This is an indication of a wind slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches within the upper snowpack in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5