Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
They say variety is the spice if life. If that's true, things are getting flavorful out there. We have variable surface conditions, a variable storm snow interface, increasing variability in our midpack's snow quality and above all variable ski conditions. Enjoy the spice.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Noting significant was noted today.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has settled to about 30cm at treeline and is becoming looser(facetted) as we speak. There was a brief and local wind event this afternoon which crossloaded gullies in the Hero's Knob/Ranger Creek area. Expect some windslad development in this specific area, but also on the regional scale. Given the amount of blowing snow, expect slabs to be creeping further into slopes than usual. The Jan 30 interface is still a question in terms of location and character. It mostly seems to be either a melt/freeze crust, facet layer or in some isolated areas surface hoar. In keeping with the theme of variety, the midpack is supportive in most places, but in rocky areas it has become very weak and "punchy" while walking.
Weather Summary
Temperatures will start at about -25 and rise to -17 by 2pm. No snow, light winds and light cloud cover will round out the day's weather.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Slab development seems to be slow with the cold, but as always, stay tuned into the feel and appearance of the snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2