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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2024–Feb 20th, 2024
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
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
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.

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

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

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1-5 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -3 °C. Freezing level to 1000 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 40 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

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