Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely - Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Wind prone features, such as lee and cross-loaded gullies could have dense wind slabs.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKananaskis
Jan 22 – 24, 2025Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 2 years ago
Avalanche danger
Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
The ice climbing is good right now but the skiing isnt. There has been very little snowfall over the past month and as such, the skiing is pretty scratchy.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches reported or observed.
Snowpack Summary
This season's snowpack is shallow and facetted. Eastern areas have very weak snowpacks (sometimes not holding the weight of a skier) while areas further west are stronger, even while still being mainly facets. Snow depths at Treeline range from 60 to 120cm. The early season crusts at the base of the snowpack have largely broken down. In isolated locations in the Alpine there are pockets of wind slab. These may be more sensitive to triggering in steep and unsupported terrain. Watch for crust on steep solar aspects. Overall, skiing isnt the best activity to consider at this time...
Weather Summary
See Table
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Avoid steep terrain that is rocky and thin.