Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Continue practicing safe travel habits and group management.
Consider the consequences of a small avalanche or any fall before committing to large features.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Light wind and no new snow are forecasted for Monday, so we aren't expecting new wind slab formation. Existing wind slabs are likely getting harder to trigger.
On Saturday, west of Pincher Creek, explosive testing produced a couple of large (size 2) avalanches that failed on faceted snow above the early February rain crust.
Snowpack Summary
Recent moderate to strong winds have varied in direction, forming wind slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. In terrain sheltered from the wind, expect 30 to 50 cm over the thick rain crust that formed in early February. Weak, sugary facets have formed above this crust.
At treeline and below, a sun crust may be found on the surface on aspects that face the sun.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, cloudier in the south half of the forecast area. No new snow expected. Light west or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.
Monday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light west or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m, 1700 m in the south end of the forecast area.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected above 1000 m, possibly 5 cm in the far south end of the forecast area. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 0-1 cm of snow expected above 1000 m, possibly 5 cm in the far south end of the forecast area. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Thin wind slabs that formed through the weekend could still avalanche under the weight of a human. If a wind slab avalanche starts, it may step down to the thick, frozen rain crust that formed in early February.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5