Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Human triggering is still possible with the generally weak snowpack. Take the time to dig and evaluate the snowpack before committing to steeper lines.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed or reported today.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm of settled snow sits on the surface. Steep solar aspects are likely to get moist starting late morning. The main concern right now is the persistent slab 15-30cm thick that is resting on the Jan 30 interface made of facets, sun crust or another dense layer. The mid and lower snowpack is primarily facets. Human triggering remains possible due to the dense slab overlying a lot of weak facets. Forecasters have little confidence in the snowpack. Travelling at lower elevations involves ski penetration to ground if you leave any established trail.
Weather Summary
Friday will bring mostly sunny skies with an alpine temperature of -4c. Winds will be moderate from the NW.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This sits upon weak faceted crystals, sun crust or a dense layer that are perfect for slab avalanches. North aspects may be more susceptible to triggering as these areas did not experience a strong melt-freeze cycle like the solar sides did.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5