Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Some snow and strong winds will develop some fresh wind slabs. Approach open terrain with caution.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
NO new avalanches were seen along the Spray.
Snowpack Summary
The surface snow has faceted and is providing good skiing. Expect some wind slab development in isolated areas such as cross loaded gullies and the lee sides of mountain passes. The snowpack varies a lot. Thicker areas at tree line and above with close to 100cm of snow has a much denser snowpack while most areas below treeline are only 40-50cm and consist mostly of facets(sugar snow).
The weak basal facets are still a concern and have a potential to be triggered from thin snowpack areas which are still plentiful at this time.
Weather Summary
Please click on the image below for the weather. Note that "Tomorrow" is Wednesday's weather. Weather models are not in agreement with wind and snow amounts. Expect up to 8cm of snow with strong NW winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
If the snow materializes with the strong winds, then the likelihood of triggering will increase. Take the time to evaluate the snow conditions.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
If triggered, surface wind slabs may step down and involve this layer. Avalanche sizes could be surprisingly large if this happens.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5