Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
It's getting tricky to find any good skiing. Where there is snow, backcountry users should be mindful of the consequences of even a small avalanche. The snowpack remains shallow with lots of hidden hazards just waiting to wreck your season.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Sunday will bring mainly sunny skies to the region with temperatures reaching -5c. Winds will be moderate from the SW at ridgetop and there is no snow in the forecast. Monday looks to be overcast, and Tuesday may finally bring us some fresh snow!
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine areas have been heavily affected by the past week of strong winds and wind slabs are widespread at tree line and above. Ridges and ribs are stripped free of snow while lee and cross-loaded terrain have deep deposits of wind loaded snow. The November crust is down 30-100cm and is producing anywhere from moderate to no results. Moist snow has been seen on steep solar aspects...so expect a surface crust on these slopes.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. Any avalanche in the upper snowpack will likely scrub down to these layers
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3