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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 6th, 2025–Jan 7th, 2025
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
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

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

As winds increase watch for fresh wind slab development at upper elevations.

Look for sheltered areas where snow is preserved and good quality riding can be found.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend, several human and explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported up to size 1 in the Crowsnest region.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

In the eastern part of the region, strong west winds have formed 10 to 20 cm thick wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. This sits on old wind slabs and variable surfaces.

In the western part of the region, 10 to 20 cm of unconsolidated snow is found. This overlies a settled mid-pack.

At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

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.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate gusting strong west winds have built wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. Wind slabs are most sensitive to triggering when they are newly formed. Look for signs of wind transport as you move through the terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2