Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Light snow and cool temperatures are continuing to facet and weaken the snowpack. Windslabs can be found in more alpine areas.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Cloudy skies and light snowfalls prevented a good look around on Tuesday and as a result, we are unclear on the extent of any avalanche activity.
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
Pretty similar weather pattern on Wednesday to that of Tuesday. Cloudy skies, light flurries and day time temperatures around -15C. Winds are forecast to begin to increase and by Thursday winds around 60KPH from the west are forecast to arrive.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
- 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
Windslabs are breaking down with the cold temperatures but should still be expected at treeline and above in gullies and along ridgecrests.
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