Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kananaskis.
Steady as she goes. Not much changing till the high pressure overhead moves on. Windslabs are stiff and if they fail from a thin area they will likely propagate across a terrain feature. Be thinking about consequences as you travel. Below treeline is rugged....
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Saturdays looking pretty similar to most other day this week. Clear, blue and a temperature inversion with the warmer air aloft. Unfortunately no new snow until the high pressure ridge over top of us beings to break down. Looking like Monday for that one to start....
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed.
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 watch for another crust to get buried into the future.
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: 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: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3