Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
Recent snow and moderate west wind formed wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Saturday.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and moderate west wind formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.
There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.
The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Christmas Eve
Clear skies, west alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -14 °C.
Christmas Day
Sunny skies, west alpine wind 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, west alpine wind 60 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny skies, southwest alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and moderate west wind formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2