Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.
Rain at lower elevations and up to 45cm of new snow will lead to an avalanche cycle. Avoid all avalanche terrain on Tuesday.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Some small loose wet avalanches have been observed on the Canmore Hill. Visibility has been extremely limited today.
Snowpack Summary
Rain soaked snow at lower elevations with small accumulations of heavy wet snow at treeline. Previous wind has created widespread wind slabs at upper elevations. Persistent weak layers down 20 to 80cm are still a concern and these have produced sporadic avalanche activity over the past week. And of course, who could forget about the November facets/depth hoar! Alive and well, this deep persistent problem is likely to become active with the incoming rain, warm temperatures and possibly heavy accumulations at upper elevations..
Weather Summary
Snow will begin Monday night and continue all day Tuesday. Models disagree on snowfall amounts with anywhere between 15 and 45cm predicted in the next 24 hours. On Tuesday winds will be light to moderate from the SW with temperatures near the 0C. Freezing levels will climb to 2100m, so expect rain below this elevation.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches to run full path or even longer.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Rain at lower elevations and possibly heavy snow at upper elevations will likely wake up this layer in certain terrain features. Avoid avalanche terrain,
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Loose Wet
A poor overnight freeze is expected at lower elevations. This coupled with steady rain will lead to significant decrease in snow stability. An avalanche cycle is expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Numerous layers in the upper snowpack could produce skier or naturally triggered avalanches. Layers of concern exist down 20 to 80cm. The incoming storm could overload the snowpack and produce avalanches on any of these layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5