Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Avoid wind-loaded features where you're more likely to trigger a slab.
The best riding can be found in sheltered terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the sun triggered several wet loose avalanches (up to size 2) in steep south-facing terrain.
Two large, explosive-triggered avalanches (size 2 and 3) were reported on Monday in the region's south. Both avalanches occurred at treeline on southeast slopes. They failed on sugary facets down 30 to 50 cm.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of recent snowfall continues to be redistributed by southwest wind. There is a layer of sugary facets that are buried 30-50 cm deep and in some places sits on a crust from December.
The lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow that have been unreactive so far. Expect snow depth at treeline to be 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy no snow, west alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with no snow, west alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow, west alpine wind 35 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level reaching 2100 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level reaching 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs over facets may take longer than normal to heal. Avoid cross-loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5