Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
As warm weather approaches winds will increase. Expect new windslabs to form as winds increases. Alpine and treeline hazard levels could increase to considerable if the winds arrive earlier than expected.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Tomorrow will have a high of -8, cloudy skies, increasing westerly winds, and maybe a few flurries. Alpine winds will 50-60 km/hr from the west by midafternoon.
Avalanche Summary
We did see one sz2 avalanche today. It started as a loose dry sluff, but quickly stepped down to the Feb 19 interface. It was a cross loaded feature with alpine characteristics, but technically at treeline elevations. East aspect.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow has settled to 25-30cm on southern aspects. It remains light and dry with some light wind effect. North aspects are much more wind effected at treeline and alpine elevations. Overall the surface snow feels facetted and weak, even in areas that have received wind. Wind slab character varies greatly and is tricky to predict.
Terrain and Travel
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slabs on all aspects due to variable winds. Incoming wind will create new slabs tomorrow afternoon.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2