Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Human triggering of recently formed wind slabs is still possible. Cautious route selection is advised.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Wednesday is forecast to bring flurries with moderate to strong winds. Temperatures will be between -15c and -9c. Expect light snow for Thursday with temps hovering around -8c in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new observed today, but there is evidence of a widespread and large natural avalanche cycle that occurred over the past few days.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind slabs of varying thicknesses in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. 5 to 10cm of recent snow overlies a thick and supportive rain crust at lower elevations. This crust disappears at 2050m. Look to sheltered areas between 2300 and 2000m for soft snow and good skiing.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs of varying density are everywhere at upper elevations and range in thickness from 10 to 50cm. Human triggering is most likely in steep, convex and/or unsupported terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is the bottom 40cm of the snow pack (November crust/facet combo). There is potential for a surface wind slab to step down to this weak layer creating a very large slide.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5