A temperature inversion could increase the likelihood of avalanche activity at higher elevations.
Reactive wind slabs linger in steep, exposed terrain.
Recent variable winds have formed wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.
Inverted temperatures and above-freezing temperatures in the alpine could increase the reactivity of wind slabs through the day.
Temperature inversions are expected to create above-freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Be especially cautious around steep, sun-affected slopes during periods of warming.
On Monday, a few large (size 2.5 to 3) explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the Crowsnest area. While none of these avalnches propogated particualrly wide, they all ran very far (full path) on old firm, buried crusts.
Over the weekend, numerous explosive and naturally triggered storm or wind slab avalanches occurred, up to 2.5 on various aspects and elevations.
20 to 50 cm of recent snow has buried a thin melt-freeze crust at elevations around 2000 m and below. Variable winds have redistributed this snow, creating wind-affected surfaces in exposed, high-elevation terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is characterized by multiple crust layers, with moist snow persisting near the base in some areas.
Snow depths at treeline generally range from approximately 100 to 200 cm.
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C, with a chance of above freezing temperatures in the alpine.
Wednesday
Sunny. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C, with a chance of above freezing temperatures in the alpine.
Thursday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
