Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Winds will increase tomorrow so watch for windslabs to get more reactive in alpine terrain along ridgelines. This week we have also seen small avalanches running far and fast on the weak basal layers entraining all the weak snow so think about this concern in steeper terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
After a flight across the region on Wednesday a few small slab avalanches were observed in gully features in the alpine and evidence of skier triggered avalanches at treeline were also observed that ran far in the basal facets.
Snowpack Summary
A few slab avalanches (both human and naturally triggered) in steeper terrain have been noted in recent days. As the winds increase on Thursday, we expect windslabs to become more widespread on lee aspects (N and E).
The basal layers of the snowpack are typical of the eastern Rockies for this time of year, and consist almost entirely of facets. Unfortunately this condition is not going anywhere fast, and may be with us for the season. Any avalanche that initiates in the upper snowpack is likely to fail in the deeper weak facets and involve the intire snowpack.
Weather Summary
As temperatures warm up the winds are forecast to arrive with a bit more vigour on Thursday. 40-60km/hr winds out of the SW are forecast with temperatures in the -10C range. Unfortunately after a good talk with our colleagues at Meterogical services of Canada on Wednesdaym there doesnt look to be to much in the way of new snow forecast for this week.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The basal layers have turned into a conglomeration of weak facets and depth hoar crystals from the cold temperatures earlier this winter. Any avalanche that initiates in the upper snowpack is likely to step down to this weak base layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Windslabs in grossloaded gully features in alpine areas. If started these slabs may step down to the deeper weak base.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2