Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
10cm of recent snow has been moved around by moderate winds at upper elevations. Dry snow can be found on northern aspects. Pay close attention to the affect of the solar radiation, freezing levels as well as overnight freezes with regards to planning your trips. These three factors will affect stability throughout the day.
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
Up to 10cm of snow fell at treeline over the past 24hrs. This snow is overlying a thick temperature crust on solar aspects 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.
Intense solar radiation will decrease stability especially if there was a poor freeze overnight due to a high freezing level.
Weather Summary
A few more cm's of snow may fall overnight but amounts are not forecast to be significant. Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud with a freezing level around 2200m and moderate winds out of the west in alpine areas. Alpine temperatures will be around -2C.
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