Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Another beautiful day is expected for tomorrow. Watch the sun though. It packs enough of a punch to cause problems on the solar aspects. Don't forget about the crust on the sunny sides either! With intense sun, slabs will be more reactive.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Morning low will be -16 with a sharp rise to -6 by 1 pm. A weak pulse of snow will blow through overnight that will give a slight dusting of snow. It looks as though the clouds will lift and most of the day will be blue for most of the day. Winds will once again be light from the north.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new was seen today as of 12pm. Its entirely possible solar aspects had pinwheeling and possibly the odd loose dry out of steep terrain. The sun is starting to pack a punch these days.Â
Snowpack Summary
Another 5cm in the last 24 hours brings recent storm snow totals to 25 to 40cm in the last few days. This recent snow remains low density below 2600m. Thin wind slabs are found in Alpine terrain, with several naturally triggered slides observed on Friday on all aspects. Solar aspects are also a concern as the Feb 19 sun crust is buried up to 40cm. This crust layer has caused several avalanches in the past few days, both natural and human-triggered.
Terrain and Travel
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are being noted in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Recent natural activity indicates that these slabs are reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Carefully evaluate the bond of the new snow to the underlying crust. Steep solar aspects and unsupported terrain should be carefully considered or avoided. Intense solar input will make this problem much more reactive.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5