Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2025–Mar 18th, 2025
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.

Up to 40 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a naturally triggered size 3 avalanche was reported on a northeast facing, large, steep, and convex slope in the alpine. The avalanche was observed from a distance and the type is unknown.

Additionally, several explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on a variety of aspects in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.

In most areas, the storm snow rests on a melt-freeze crust, except for high elevation north and east facing slopes.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is currently buried 50 to 100 cm deep. It has been the cause of recent large avalanches, and remains reactive in snowpack tests. The greatest concern for this weak layer is on upper-elevation northerly and easterly slopes.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0-3 cm snow, 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -8 °C, freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud, 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -7 °C, freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Sunny, 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -4°C, freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 3-5 cm snow, 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -4 °C, freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 40 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried 40 to 80 cm. The greatest concern for triggering lies on upper elevation northerly through easterly slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches will become likely when the sun comes out. Avoid overhead hazard from steep sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5