East Kakwa

There have been no recent field observations in this forecast area. Submit a MIN if you head out!

Strong southerly winds have likely formed stiff wind slabs sitting over a weak, facetted base.

No new avalanches have been reported. There are very few field observations coming from this forecast area. Remember that a lack of avalanche reports does not necessarily mean a lack of avalanche activity.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

The snowpack is shallow, faceted and highly wind-affected. Expect scouring on windward slopes and isolated pockets of deep wind slab over facets near ridge crests on leeward slopes. A crust has formed on the surface below treeline.

Several crusts exist in the mid pack. Isolated pockets of buried surface hoar could be found in sheltered terrain.

Average snowpack depths at treeline are highly variable (20 to 70 cm). Many hazards are on or just below the surface.

Wednesday Night

A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. Southwest alpine wind, 30 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature 0° C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods, no new snow. Southwest alpine wind 50 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. South alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with sunny periods. Southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.