Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
The AVALANCHE HAZARD is increasing with the incoming storm. Approach all avalanche terrain with caution. Take the time to evaluate the effects of the incoming storm.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed on Tuesday. Expect some avalanche activity on Wednesday with the incoming storm.
Snowpack Summary
Watch for new wind slabs in all open areas that will be sensitive to skier traffic. The more snow and wind that arrives, the higher the avalanche hazard will be. It is possible for localized areas to jump to HIGH Hazard if we get 30cm or more with the strong winds. In either case, any snow load on our weak snowpack will likely fail on the October crust/facet combo(which is close to the ground). Approach all open areas with caution and take the time to evaluate how much snow has fallen and how strong the effects of the wind have been.
Weather Summary
All weather models are calling for snow Tuesday night and on Wednesday but the amounts vary from 10-30cm. All of the models are calling for strong SW winds along with an alpine temperature of -5c.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New soft slabs and wind slabs will develop with the incoming storm.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
If triggered the surface wind slabs may step down to this layer and involve the entire winters snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5