Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Weather patterns would suggest an improvement, but given the known problems in the snowpack, we are reluctant to lower the hazard. Tread lightly as you approach wind loaded areas. Ice climbers pay particular attention to warming weather.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new, however there are old avalanches that indicate the widespread nature of last week's cycle. Counter-intuitively, most seem to have started mid start zone and not ridgetop. Perhaps this is the upper limit of the crust?
Snowpack Summary
The new snow from past storms has settled, giving us a snow depth of 20cm valley bottom and 40-70cm treeline and above. Amounts will vary greatly depending on wind exposure. As a very general summary, we have 4 layers: sugary facets on the ground, a thin intermittent crust, a wind slab in wind prone areas, and finally, the newer "storm" snow layer on the top. If you're at all experienced in the Rockies, you'll simply know this as a classic early season snowpack!
Weather Summary
For 2300m:
 Morning low of -10, high of -5. No snow. Winds increasing to moderate by late afternoon. Expect some gusty conditions as the day goes on.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Slabs are reactive on the basal facets and possibly an intact crust at lower elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2