Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crawford, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, East Purcell, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, Purcells, South Rockies, St. Mary.
Heightened avalanche conditions may exist in parts of the region that have more than 15 cm of new snow.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Many parts of the region will not receive enough new snow for avalanches, however, a variable wind and snowfall pattern may form localized wind slabs.
Snowpack Summary
A cold front crossing the south Purcells and Rockies is causing variable snowfall and wind-loading patterns. Expect anywhere from 0 to 20 cm of new snow above a widespread crust. The heaviest amounts as of Tuesday afternoon were north of Crowsnest Pass and Elkford, but more scattered flurries are expected on Tuesday night.
The upper snowpack consists of various melt-freeze layers. The lower snowpack contains old weak layers that are no longer a concern.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slab problems are localized to ridges and alpine slopes in parts of the region that received heavier snowfall amounts.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2