Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 14th, 2023–Feb 15th, 2023

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Some areas in the southern parts of the region received up to 15cm of new snow on Tuesday. Winds will deposit this fluffy, new snow into wind slabs pretty quickly in lee areas. Continue to be suspicious of old, firm wind slabs especially in high consequence terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

A natural size 2.5 wind slab avalanche was reported from the Castle area on February 12th. It was believed to be 48-72hrs old and occurred in the immediate leeward side of a large, wind loaded north facing alpine feature.

Snowpack Summary

10-25cm of new, low density powder (the higher amounts are in southern areas) overlies extensive wind effect in the alpine and at tree line. Wind slabs of various ages in lee areas (typically easterly aspects) and scouring in windward areas. A melt-freeze crust can be found below 2100 m. It may be on the surface on windward slopes and buried 30 to 60 cm deep in lee terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack.

The average snowpack depth is 130 cm. Up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Mostly clear. Wind from the southwest at 20 km/h. Temperature -10ËšC.

Wednesday

Clear. Wind from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h at higher elevations. Temperature -12ËšC in the morning rising to -4ËšC in the afternoon. Freezing levels as high as 1000 m.

Thursday

Mostly clear. Winds from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Temperatures between -7ËšC and -3ËšC with freezing levels rising to 1400 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with potential for flurries delivering 2-4 cm of snow. Winds from the southwest at 25 km/h. Temperature -5ËšC with freezing levels around 1200 m.

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.
Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 15cm of low density snow fell in some areas on Monday night. Because this snow is so fluffy, southwesterly winds will blow it into wind slabs on lee aspects fairly quickly.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

In steep and confined terrain be aware that loose snow avalanches can get kind of pushy. Sluff management could be necessary.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2