Crowsnest North

A surface crust will create challenging travel conditions.

Watch for isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine, if dry snow exists.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

On Wednesday, there were some small wet loose avalanches triggered by skiers in the south.

A crust will form on the surface overnight, making avalanche activity unlikely. If dry snow exists in high alpine terrain, human-triggered wind slab avalanches are possible.

A crust or moist snow exists on the surface at most elevations due to recent rain and warm temperatures. This crust overlies moist snow or firm, wind-packed snow in the alpine and treeline.

In parts of the region, a buried surface hoar layer may exist roughly 40 cm below the surface, but it is likely a non-issue following the warming event.

A crust exists in the midpack at treeline and below, and a crust and facets can be found near the base of the snowpack.

The average snowpack depth at treeline is roughly 120 to 200 cm.

Thursday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday
Sunny. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Above freezing layer (AFL) in the alpine.

Sunday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.