Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Although the timing and extent of the increase in avalanche danger will vary across the region, dangerous conditions are expected due to new snow, strong winds, and warming temperatures.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no recent reports of avalanches.
With ongoing stormy weather, we anticipate natural wind and storm slab avalanche activity in the coming days, particularly in areas that receive 20 cm or more of new snow.
If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN post.
Snowpack Summary
New snow continues to accumulate across most areas, accompanied by strong southwest alpine winds. This has created deep deposits of new snow and fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain.
The new snow will bury older wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain, or surface hoar and a faceted upper snowpack in sheltered areas. Layers formed during dry conditions in January, are buried approximately 30 to 100 cm below the surface. These consist of surface hoar, faceted grains, and/or a hard crust, and could become a source of instability with the addition of the new snow and warming temperatures.
The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.
Weather Summary
Be aware that forecast snowfall amounts vary greatly across the region heading into the weekend.
Thursday Night
Cloudy up to 10 cm of snow (isolated areas could receive closer to 20 cm). 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow, combined with strong winds and rising temperatures, will create reactive wind and storm slabs. This is most concerning in wind-exposed areas, where the new snow is being blown into deeper deposits in leeward terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2