Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Cloudy with snow flurries for Wednesday and 5 to 10cm of snow forecast for higher elevations on Thursday. A brief break in the weather Thursday night, then another5 to 10cm on Friday, tapering off for the weekend. Freezing levels are forecast to rise above 1500 metres, but there is some disagreement among the weather models of just how high they will go. Moderate to strong SW winds are forecast for ridge tops and above.

Reports of natural activity have subsided on the east slope, but explosive testing yesterday produced a size 3 avalanche that ran on facets sitting on a melt-freeze crust that formed in early December. West of the divide the natural cycle has diminished as well, but closer to the Lizard range there have been of natural and skier triggered avalanche activity.

Recent storms with strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow at tree line and above. Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes, and a crust that formed in early December has reappeared with recent wind loading east of Crowsnest Pass. In general the new snow overlies scoured surfaces and hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. The mid and lower snowpack are getting stronger and settling well in these areas. In some locations  west of the divide there is a rain crust up to 2000 metres with 20 to 30 cm of storm snow on it. Around 50cm below the surface is a combination of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing slab. About 60 to 80cm below the surface there is surface hoar layer which formed in early December. All areas have received extensive wind activity around tree line and above.