Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
We are saddened to learn of a fatal avalanche that occurred in the Hasler area.
During this period of high avalanche danger it is important to stick to low angle slopes with no overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A fatal avalanche incident involving one snowmobiler occurred in the Hasler riding area on Saturday. The avalanche was triggered in a wind-loaded east-facing chute feature at treeline and ran approximately 250 m. It likely failed on a layer of facets buried earlier in January. For more details on this incident, see the Fatal Avalanche Incident report.
Several rider-triggered wind slab avalanches have also been reported in the region over the past few days.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has been redistributed by southerly winds. Elevated freezing levels and rain have moistened the surface at all elevations.
30 to 50 cm of snow sits over a layer of facets formed during the mid January cold snap. Bonding at this interface varies through the region.
A prominent crust is found 40 to 90 cm deep. It extends up to 1900 m in the Cariboos and up to 1400 m around Pine Pass. In the Sugarbowl area, a layer of small surface hoar or facets has been observed near the crust.
The midpack is generally strong and well bonded, except for areas east of the Divide, where the snowpack is shallow and faceted with depths of 60 to 100 cm around treeline.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation expected, south alpine wind 35 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising to around 2500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 mm of rain expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 2500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain possible, south alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Sustained high freezing levels have increased the likelyhood of weak layers deeper in the snowpack becoming active.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will increase in size and likelyhood throughout the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2