Crowsnest North

Unsettled, spring weather can deliver localized periods of intense sun or heavy snowfall, which may increase the avalanche hazard.

Recent snow and wind have formed isolated wind slabs at higher elevations, over a melt-freeze crust (on all aspects at low elevations, and on sun-affected slopes to mountain top). New snow sits over previously wind-affected surfaces on north-facing slopes at treeline and alpine.

A melt-freeze crust exists down 50 to 120 cm from the surface and continues to be monitored, despite any recent avalanche activity on the layer.

The weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack recently produced large avalanches in the nearby Kananaskis Country. In this forecast region, avalanche activity last occurred on these layers on the 18th of March in terrain south of the Crowsnest Pass where a weak and shallow snowpack exists. Professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it becoming active again.

No recent avalanches have been observed.

If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Tuesday night

Mostly clear, with periods of cloud. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with periods of cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperature 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries and trace accumulation. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.