Kananaskis

More snow is incoming for early next week. Hazard will certainly spike when it arrives, but in the meantime we will remain at Considerable. Winds are causing some problems in the alpine, but lower, and/or sheltered areas have good skiing.

Numerous cornices collapsed today near Hero's Knob. There was also a small, but deep pocket of sluffing slab that released along the base of the main cliff. There were also 3 or 4 other notable and recent avalanches noted on high east aspects. These all started in the alpine and ran well below treeline.

Another 15cm (on average) came in last night. Our snowpack continues to grow and more or less cooperate with the new load. We have about 40-50 of recent snow that in many lower places is still unaffected by the high elevation winds. The high alpine, east side of the road and some very exposed treeline areas have been wind scoured. but many areas have been spared the full brunt. The Nov crust is down 70-120cm, is still intact and starting to develop facets (loose, sugary snow) on top. It'll become increasingly important to keep tabs on those facets as time goes on. There's a pretty good chance they'll crash our ski party at some point. But until that happens, the skiing is quite good in sheltered areas.

We'll remain on the edge of this extended westerly weather pattern which will keep us guessing on which forecast to look at. Some say we'll get 30cm by Tuesday morning, and some say 10. Time will tell. In the meantime, Sunday will bring some flurries with trace amounts, strong westerly ridge top winds and warm temperatures. Tomorrow's temperature will hover around -2°. If today is any indication, that temperature could creep even higher.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.