Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Start early and finish early. The snow will warm rapidly on solar aspects increasing the hazard through the day. Watch for higher hazard levels on slopes facing the sun.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Tuesday will start off cloudy and then clear around midday. Daytime highs should be near -1 with freezing levels reaching 2200m. Winds will increase through the day from light to strong out of the SW.
Avalanche Summary
A few small naturally triggered wet slides occurred on solar aspects today.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 12cm of new snow overlies widespread wind slabs in the Alpine, as well as some at Treeline. On solar aspects the surface snow has turned moist by midday. Later in the day on Tuesday the wind will pick up speed and begin to form new surface slabs in the Alpine.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid steep convex slopes.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are widespread under the recent 10cm of snow. Previous to the snowfall these slabs were failing down 20 to 40cm in the moderate range.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
When the sun comes out expect a quick deterioration on solar aspects. Freezes have been marginal down low lately, which also contributes to the quick change.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
With intense solar radiation and warm daytime temperatures, cornices will become fragile. Simple answer is: stay away.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5