Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 23rd, 2025–Feb 24th, 2025

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Ongoing avalanche cycle in the Spray region. More snow than expected in the southern parts of the Spray. Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of an ongoing avalanche cycle is currently happening in the Spray valley.

Forecasters out in the dogleg area today had a skier accidental while skinning up in an open area in a steep below treeline feature. The avalanche was contained to the opening and no involvement. However this is excellent evidence of the current touchy conditions that exist.

Snowpack Summary

Well the storm finally produced some snow. The North end of the spray saw roughly 10cm of snow. When heading further South towards dogleg area, 25cm was found. This storm came in around -2 and with incredible winds from the west. We suspect significant windslab growth with the continuous winds and warm weather. The snow transport from mountain tops was impressive to watch. This new storm snow is sitting on top of the 10-20cm of snow that fell in early Feb. However all of this is now sitting on top of the Jan 30th interface along with the whole lower snowpack being faceted and weak.

Weather Summary

Sunday night an additional 5cm is possible with a night time low of -9.

Monday the snow will continue and 4cm throughout the day. The winds will remain pretty steady in the 60-75km/h range from the west. Slightly cooler temps.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.