Kananaskis

Our game is changing a bit with all the new snow and wind. Building wind slabs are becoming a significant concern. Hazard ratings could spike to high if snow amounts are more than expected or if winds pick up. Good time to keep the head up and expect changing conditions.

Two natural avalanches were noted today. Both appeared to be pre-storm and running on an unconfirmed layer. Likely the crust is to blame. Both were healthy sz 2.5's, running mid path and originating in the alpine.

At treeline we've received 30-50cm of snow in the past few days. With the snow, we've had variable winds which have created fresh wind slabs in most alpine areas. Slab distribution is less widespread and predictable at treeline, but when found, it's equally reactive. Lots of whumphing and localized cracking today in open trees. Snow pits today revealed a facet layer which was reactive in snow tests. Given the depth (40-60cm), we're thinking it came from a short cold spell around Nov. 28. Observations are limited, but if we're right on the origin of the layer it will be everywhere. Deeper down the Nov 11th crust is losing its strength. What was once a bullet proof crust is now easily broken with a ski pole probe.

It looks like we have another pulse of snow coming our way. Starting Friday morning another west moving front will track to the north of us. We're expecting about 10-12 cm out of it by late tomorrow evening. Unfortunately winds will accompany the snow with ridge and peak top winds in the high end of moderate (40-50km/hr). Temperatures will hover around -10 all day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.