Kananaskis

Avalanche hazard is slowly decreasing, but human triggering is still very possible at upper elevations, especially in steep and unsupported terrain. It's not yet time to ride the big lines.

Happy New Year!!!

Isolated small wind slabs (size 1) were observed in very steep Alpine terrain. One size 2 on a steep East aspect in the Alpine initiated immediately below a cliff band. This fracture was 60 to 80cm deep and approximately 150m wide, but did not run very far.

Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at treeline. Natural avalanche activity has tapered and the snowpack is slowly stabilizing. However, many areas still seem prime for human-triggering. Sheltered areas still have great skiing. Solar aspects may have some moist snow. The Nov crust layers are buried 120 to 180cm and are beginning to facet. Some avalanches have stepped down to the Nov crust, but this has been more common in shallow snowpack areas.

Thursday looks to be mostly sunny with increasing cloud later in the day. Temps will reach a high of -3C and winds should be light to moderate from the SW. No snowfall is expected.

https://hpfx.collab.science.gc.ca/~fsg006/productviewer/ab/table/AB_Rockies_Forecast.html

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
• Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
• Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.