Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Lots of early season hazards lurking just below the surface to ruin your ski/snowboard winter. And climbers should be aware of overhead terrain and exposure to even small avalanches in exposed spots. Storm coming late Tuesday will raise hazard levels
Confidence
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Weather Forecast
A cold front is expected to push into the region midday on Tuesday bringing cold temps, northerly winds and up to 20cm of snow. Wednesday should stabilize with a return to warmer weather on Thursday.
Avalanche Summary
Isolated loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 in steep Alpine terrain on N and E aspects have occurred in the past 24 hours.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20cm of generally heavy, wet snow fell in the past 36 hours. Wind loading is evident in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the Alpine and upper Treeline elevations. The early season crust is buried 20 to 40cm and is reported to be supportive to skiers weight in some locations. Basal facets exist below the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Incoming weather could produce more widespread wind slab conditions in le and cross-loaded features. The normal early season trends of wind slabs in gullies and similar terrain traps are worth being wary of.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Recent snow has added a loose dry problem. Confined on exposed terrain is a concern, such as gullies, cliff edges and ledgy terrain. Ice climbers should be wary of overhead terrain.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
- Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5