Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 19 – 22, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Spring conditions exist in most location. North aspects may still hold the Persistent problem, be cautious and inspect. This is the time of year to start early and finish early. Watch for warming and direct solar input when travelling through terrain. Check out Avalanche Canada's blog on Spring Conditions for some good tips.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Watch for windslabs in lee's as you transition to ridge crest. There have been winds from the North in the past, look for signs of reverse loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Watch for sheltered northern areas where this layer may still exist. If triggered slabs could step down into the basal layers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Be mindful that at this time of year any short bursts of solar radiation could be enough to trigger slides.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent activity observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are evident in the alpine on all aspects. While these slabs are not deep, they could be sensitive to triggering where the underlying surface is a smooth crust. Otherwise, expect a melt-freeze surface layer (or near surface) on all solar aspects as well as all aspects at lower elevations. Higher elevation northerly aspects still hold dry snow. Cornices are starting to sag in the mid-April heat, and some recent collapses have been observed.

Timing is everything. As surface crusts break down during the day the stability will begin to decrease. Start early and finish early.

Weather Summary

Sunday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. High -4 Light winds. FZL 2200m

Monday: SNOW! Heavy at times, current models show varying amounts with highest currently saying 30+cm. Temps will drop to -8 and the winds will remain light. FZL 1800m

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Low of -9 with slightly more winds. 15-25km/h. FZL 2000m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.

Regions covered