Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
We are transitioning from a simple early season snowpack to a more complex winter pack with several layers, including one layer destined to become our first persistent avalanche problem of the year. Put the winter game on and travel with caution.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Flurries tonight and tomorrow bring up to 5cm. With what's already down, there could be 10-15cm of storm snow. Winds are currently in the high range and expected to increase over night. Expect gusts of 80-100km in the alpine. Treeline will see sustained moderate to strong winds. All winds from the west. Temperatures will fall to -15 by s
Saturday morning.
Avalanche Summary
A few small spindrift sluffs were seen in the alpine. Not a concern for skiers in conservative terrain, but certainly a concern for ice climbers.
Snowpack Summary
The Spray Valley saw 5-7cm today, but the Highwood didn't see quite as much, only a dusting. Not enough to significantly change conditions down low, but upper treeline and the alpine will have fresh wind slabs on easterly aspects. Given the warm temperatures and high winds, these slabs will likely be quite dense and extend below ridge lines. This will put the Nov crust down 25-40cm. There may be fresh cornices as well, visibility was limited today so no direct sightings.Valley bottoms are still well below threshhold with poor travel.
Terrain and Travel
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs can be found in alpine areas along ridgelines and in gullied terrain. At treeline, open rolls will likely have them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5