Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
A warm day is forecast for Friday with a dusting of new snow overnight. We are transitioning to a spring snowpack at lower elevations so best to start early and be done early being out of avalanche terrain before the warm temperatures begin to destabilize the snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new observed in the past 24hrs but observations were limited.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of recent snow has been settling fast with the warm temperatures. Fresh thin wind slabs can be expected at upper elevations. The recent 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. Intense solar radiation will increase avalanche danger levels especially if there was a poor freeze overnight due to high freezing levels.
Weather Summary
Winds are forecast to increase over the next 24hrs in to the moderate range with 2-5cm of new snow forecast by 9am There is a weak freeze forecast for the region tonight so be sure to asses the the quality of freeze via the weather stations before planning your trip. Fridays freezing level is forecast to reach 2700m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds and snow will increase wind slab development in the Alpine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Intense solar radiation will quickly destabilize snow on solar aspects. Expect sluffing as soon as the sun pokes out.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
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