Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
We have more questions than answers right now. An uncertain snowpack coupled with questionable forecasts make it difficult to accurately predict the hazard. Err on the side of caution and continue to avoid avalanche terrain until this storm passes.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Natural activity continued today with several large avalanches heard through the could. Unsure on sizes, but expect in the sz3 3.5 range.
Snowpack Summary
Moist snow 2300 on all aspects today. Little re-freeze last night allowed the warmth to sink in a little deeper and start to effect the deeper layers. Lights snow began this afternoon as the next storm arrives. There wasn't a significant amount yet, but hopefully this will stick to the existing warm snow and form a good bond. Time will tell.
Weather Summary
The forecasted storm has had a slow start today, and will continue to lightly dust us with snow for most of tomorrow. The main pulse has been pushed back to Friday night with overall storm totals in the neighborhood of 35cm by Saturday night. Temperatures will drop overnight tonight and settle at -7 by Friday morning. Daytime high of zero degrees. Peak height wind speeds will be random out of the South, with lower elevations blowing out of the east for part of the day. Very unsettled pattern at the moment.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This sits upon weak faceted crystals, sun crust or a dense layer that are perfect for slab avalanches. There is potential for this layer to re-load and avalanche again if enough snow falls.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
We will have new windslabs develop with the incoming snow. Expect slabs to build quickly with the warmer temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer has been very active lately. It may not tolerate any new loading, especially if the overlying snow retains the heat from today.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 4