Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast Uncertainty is due to the fact that deep persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear skies above the valley cloud, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures drop to -12 C.

FRIDAY: Clear skies above the valley cloud, strong wind from the west with gusts to 80 km/h along the divide, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

SATURDAY: Clear skies above the valley cloud, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate to strong wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Recent avalanche reports are limited to a few small wind slab avalanches on the Alberta side of the region from Tuesday and Wednesday.

The last report of deep persistent slab avalanches are from Jan 21, when some very large avalanches were triggered by cornice falls and small wind slab avalanches. Although deep persistent slab activity has recently tapered, it could still be possible to trigger these large avalanches in steep rocky terrain.

Alpine terrain is heavily wind-effected, sheltered areas have surface hoar growing above the valley clouds, and sun crusts are likely forming in steep south-facing terrain. Check out this post from our South Rockies field team to see condition in Elkford on Tuesday. The primary layer of concern in the snowpack is a crust that formed in early December and is now 100 to 150 cm deep. This layer is found widespread through the region, but with varying test results. Recent snowpack tests have shown more reactivity in shallower snowpack areas.

• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
• Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
• Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.