Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Wind slabs are forming in the Alpine and open areas. Below treeline is still challenging travel due to minimal snow.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Tuesday will have mostly flurries that will end Wednesday morning. Winds will continue to be moderate to strong from the West and diminishing Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures in the Alpine for Tuesday will be have highs around -7c and lows around -15c.
Avalanche Summary
One size 2 slab avalanche was observed on a North aspect of Mt. Murray.
Snowpack Summary
The rain and wet snow that occurred on Friday has squished the snowpack and formed a crust up to 5cm thick at Treeline and below. The recent 10-15cm of snow fell very cold and dry and has a poor bond to this crust. Winds on Monday have started to move the snow around creating drifting in open areas. These winds are forecast to continue into Wednesday morning, moving more snow into lee features. Expect to find wind slabs in lee features, gullies and some open areas. The snowpack at treeline has an average of 50-80cm, while lower elevations are below threshold for avalanche activity.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Be on the lookout for wind slab, especially in gullies and lee features.
- Be very cautious with gully features.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
The recent snow is not bonding to the underlying crust. Ice climbers in particular should be aware of their exposure to overhead terrain and terrain traps.
- Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5