Kananaskis

The natural avalanche cycle has mostly subsided, but human triggering is likely, especially at upper elevations. Conservative route selection is advised.

Several loose dry avalanches in steep terrain up to size 1 occurred today. Naturally triggered slab avalanche activity occurred throughout the Spray Valley up to size 2.5 on Monday.

Recent storm snow of up to 40cm at 2400m remains low density at lower elevations, but wind effected at TL and above. This snow sits on a thick and supportive melt-freeze below 2200m and a sun crust on solar aspects up to at least 2400m. Wind slabs become prevalent almost immediately after climbing above 2400m, and some cracking underfoot has been observed over the last couple of days. These fresh wind slabs overlie old wind slabs in some of the terrain, so it is worth digging down and checking for the various potential failure planes. The mid and lower snowpack remains well settled, dense and strong - an unusual treat for the Rockies!

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with temps near -9C. Moderate to strong SW winds are expected. Another 5cm of snow are possible through the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.
• Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.