Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
The blue sky makes for beautiful touring days. People are out and venturing into larger terrain, keep in mind the whole structure of the snowpack is weak and does not inspire confidence to jump into large terrain. Keep a cautious mindset.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new observed or reported
Snowpack Summary
We are still seeing little to no wind affect at almost all elevations. The one exception would be high alpine (2500m+) ridges where isolated slabs will exist in the immediate lee. At treeline and low alpine elevations there's 20-25cm's of nice, faceted snow resting on top of the Feb crust. The crust itself is generally supportive, but in the odd place at treeline its breakable and sometimes challenging to ski. From an avalanche perspective, the crust isn't posing a problem other than allowing the surface snow to sluff in very steep terrain. The deeper layers aren't changing much. They are still a mix of facets and the older crust from earlier in the year.
Weather Summary
Sunday will see a mix of sun and cloud. Day time highs of -4 and Light winds out of the West.
Freezing levels to rise to about 1900m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
This problem is specific to immediate lee features, Caution at ridge features and places more prone to wind
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Be cautious for this layer in high alpine terrain. Thinner snowpack areas will be the places that this may be an issue.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5