Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Despite the recent snow we still need a bit more to provide good skiing and coverage. Lots of rocks, stumps, trees below 2100m making skiing sporty. Watch for windslabs in the alpine.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
No new snow is in the forecast for the next few days and cool temperatures are forecast to persist. Winds will increase slightly into the moderate range later in the day on Thursday so we can expect to see some of this recent snow moving around and forming new windslabs in alpine areas.Â
Avalanche Summary
A few loose dry avalanches that ran down into skiable terrain up to sz 1.Â
Snowpack Summary
5cm of additional snow gives up 15cm in the past few days. This snow is low density and is overlying windslabs, and rocks in many areas. The November crust is down 20-30cm and on Wednesday was found up to 2500m. This crust was 5cm thick and while is does carry most places, it is a bit punchy on occasion also making for some fast yet sporty skiing. Drummy windslabs were found along ridgelines and in gullied features that made us choose a different route up. Down low, rocks, stumps, trees make the thought a fall or small avalanche ride scary. Its early, ski slow and lightly....
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs can be found in alpine areas along ridgelines and in gullied terrain. The hollow or drummy feeling is a good indication your on top of the windslabs which isnt good.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5