Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 3rd, 2025–Feb 4th, 2025

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

Brrr....Cold....Approach tree line and alpine with a keen eye and take the time to investigate for wind slabs and the bond with the storm snow.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

The forecasters did a road patrol along the Spray today and found a surprising lack of activity overall.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of settled snow overlies a variety of surfaces from facets, hard wind slabs, and sun crust. Some of this recent snow has turned into localized wind slabs. The mid pack is overall decent, mostly consisting of facet layers that were not reactive before the storm. Snow depths vary from 80-150cm depending on elevation.

Weather Summary

Please see the cold table below. Dress warmly given the cloudy and cold day out there. Even a simple gear malfunction can mean that you are far from your vehicle.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

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.