East Kakwa

Brrr! A bit of new snow should form a small wind slab problem to factor into your Tuesday trip plan. Early season hazards like rocks and stumps will become a bit more hidden.

No new avalanches have been reported, however there are very few field observations coming from this forecast area.

Looking forward to Tuesday, forecast light new snow amounts and shifting winds will likely form a small wind slab problem across a range of aspects.

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

By Tuesday afternoon, up to about 10 cm of new snow should accumulate in the region, arriving with variable, sometimes northerly winds.

The new snow will bury or add to the skiff of snow atop a widespread crust presently found at or near the surface below 1400 m. South facing slopes are generally scoured.

The snowpack is generally shallow and faceted (weak, sugary) with multiple crusts in the mid snowpack. Pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow may be found near ridges, gully features, and established avalanche paths.

Average snowpack depths at treeline are roughly 20 to 80 cm.

Monday night

Mainly cloudy with flurries bringing less than 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind shifting east, 10 to 30 km/h.

Tuesday

Cloudy with continuing flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Northeast alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature falling to -25°C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. Northeast alpine wind 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -26°C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. Northeast alpine wind 30-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -30°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.