Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Dry snow can still be found on North aspects. Winds and some light snow is expected, so be on the lookout for new wind slabs.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The forecasting was out of the field by 11am. Some sluffing began around 10am on E and SE aspects. The cliffs on these aspects also became wet around 10am.
Snowpack Summary
Low elevation areas had moist snow by 11am. Most direct solar aspects have a thick temperature crust that carries the weight of a skier. East and west aspects have more of a breakable crust and only pure north aspects have dry snow. The March 28th crust is down 20-50cm and found as high as 2600m. Above this elevation on the northern aspects there is still some uncertainty with regards to the basal layers so continue to be curious at this elevation. Some windslabs exist in the alpine at upper elevations.
Weather Summary
Monday will bring mostly a cloudy day with light snow(up to 10cm). Winds will be increasing to strong throughout the day from the SW. The high temperature in the alpine will be 2.5c
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
- Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds on Monday, along with snow will increase the wind slab development.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This layer is less reactive to triggering but still exists in the forecast region. When the sun comes out it may become more reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Warm temperatures or strong solar input are the likely triggers for this layer. Limit exposure if its warm, or on a solar aspect.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 4