Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
The recent winds have left some wind slabs in the alpine. Generally a shallow snowpack throughout the region. Seek out sheltered areas at tree line and above for skiing.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
The surface snow has faceted and is providing good skiing. The recent and forecast winds have created some wind slab development in isolated areas such as cross loaded gullies and the lee sides of mountain passes. The snowpack varies a lot. Thicker areas at tree line and above with close to 100cm of snow have a much denser snowpack while most areas below tree line have 40-50cm and consist mostly of facets(sugar snow).
The weak basal facets are still a concern and have a potential to be triggered from thin snowpack areas which are still plentiful at this time.
Weather Summary
Friday's theme is strong westerly winds at ridgetop. The high temperature will be -6c in the alpine along with light flurries.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
If triggered, surface wind slabs may step down and involve this layer. Avalanche sizes could be surprisingly large if this happens.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5