Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Good skiing can still be found in sheltered areas. Generally a weak snowpack, approach all overhead hazard and avalanche terrain with caution. Check out this fresh size 3 avalanche at: https://www.instagram.com/kananaskissafety/
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
One new natural cornice triggered avalanche that was about 12 hours old in the Burstall Pass area. Check out the video and description at: https://www.instagram.com/kananaskissafety/
Snowpack Summary
The forecasting crew went back to Burstall Pass and were surprised by the large avalanche. The wind slabs in the top 25cm are slowly gaining strength but still reactive to large loads. Generally a weak snowpack that will remain for the rest of the year. At most elevations, the bottom half of the snowpack is made up of facets. The alpine has great variability in snow depth. Cornices have started to be on our radar, choose routes carefully. Have a look at the avalanche summary.
Weather Summary
Thursday will start off with a mix of sun and cloud and -20c. The clouds will roll in during the day and flurries will begin in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb up to -8c, along with moderate SW winds.Friday
The weather models for Friday are not all in agreement but they all talk about snow. Some models are talking about 5cm and others are up to 20cm. Stay tuned.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
The alpine is still variable in total amounts of snow but the basal layers haven't changed. The entire lower half is either facets, or depth hoar. Thin weak areas should be treated as suspect and avoided.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5