Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Ghost.
Warm temperatures, high freezing levels, and intense solar radiation should be on your radar if heading out to the Ghost ice climbing. Start early, minimize overhead terrain, and be done early.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new or recent observations. No reported events into the Kananaskis Region office.
Snowpack Summary
We have been having some pretty warm temperatures lately. Some hard slabs can be found in the upper snowpack that will be reactive to traffic from ice climbers. Cornices over popular routes such as the Sorcerer have also been reported as large. Clear skies and strong solar influence will allow stability to deteriorate throughout the day so pay attention to overhead terrain in the sun.
Even a small avalanche can have large consequences in steep or gullied terrain so use be thinking about that as you travel.
Weather Summary
Please check your local weather for temperatures and freezing levels
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds earlier in the week have consolidated the upper snowpack in some alpine areas. Pay attention to overhead terrain and solar radiation on overhead slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will develop quickly where recent storm snow is overlying thin rocky terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5