East Kakwa

Continue to choose conservative, low consequence terrain

The Likelihood of triggering a persistent slab is uncertain

Only a few natural size 1.5 wind slab avalanches have been reported over the past few days.

Over the past week in the neighbouring region, many natural and skier triggered persistent slab avalanches occurred on the facets above the early-February melt-freeze crust described in the Snowpack Summary.

Winds have come from a variety of directions over the past couple days. Wind effect could be found on all aspects.

30 to 50 cm overlies a layer of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain, weak facets, or a hard melt-freeze crust on south and west-facing slopes.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 60 to 80 cm deep. This crust may have a layer of facets above it.

The eastern portion of this region is much shallower with a highly variable and wind effected snowpack.

Tuesday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -21°C.

Wednesday

Sunny in the morning, increasing cloud in the afternoon. 15 to 35 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -14°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 25 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow expected. 30 to 50 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.