Avalanche Forecast
Kananaskis Country, Alberta Parks
We've had enough snow recently to increase the coverage and avalanche hazard. How the wind distributes the snow is the big question. Watch closely for windloading as the winds increase.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new today.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow came in yesterday and last night. While below treeline areas are improving for coverage, we are still below threshold in terms of avalanche problems. At treeline, the story changes significantly. We have two layers of interest: the "Halloween" crust and recent windslabs. The crust depth varies, but it is generally down 30-40cm from the top. The windslabs sit above the crust and vary in thickness (on average 20-40cm). Tests have had repeatable failures immediately below the crust on a layer facets. As of this afternoon, winds were increasing with windslab development ongoing.
Weather Forecast
We are expecting snow to come in for Sunday. In the meantime, westerly winds will increase to 55km tonight and tomorrow. Flurries will accompany winds, but amounts won't add up much until Sunday. Temperatures will remain steady at -10°.
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The winds started to kick in this afternoon. Slabs will build quickly with the amount of available snow. Expect them to reach further down from ridge crests than we have been used to.