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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 5th, 2023–Mar 6th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

Wind slab are the main concern. Avoid wind-loaded features and steer well clear of overhead cornices and sun-affected slopes during periods of strong solar radiation. The best and safest riding will be found in sheltered locations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Last week, southwest winds redistributed storm snow and several natural and human-triggered wind slabs were observed in the alpine and treeline primarily on north facing slopes.

As winds shifted to the northeast on Saturday, fresh wind-slab development was noted on more typically wind-scoured south to west slopes. These fresh slabs were reactive to sled traffic, check out this MIN from Pine Pass for details.

Check out our Field Team's MIN from Kakwa last week, where they found excellent riding in sheltered areas but reactive storm and wind slabs in open and exposed areas.

Looking forward to Monday, wind slabs continue to be the main concern. Wind slabs may exist on all aspects in exposed areas and riders should seek out sheltered terrain for the best and safest riding.

Deep persistent avalanches were also reported in nearby regions, mainly south of Valemount in the Rockies. This layer is present in this region, but has not produced recent activity.

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper deposits on many aspects while soft snow remains in sheltered areas. Storm totals overlie heavily wind effected snow now roughly 20-60 cm deep. This interface remains slow to bond and gain strength.

The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.

A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is present in this region, but currently considered 'dormant' as it has not produced recent activity. Backcountry users should continue to avoid thin and rocky start zones where triggering a deep persistent avalanche would be most likely.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Clear periods. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -15 °C. Ridge wind southeast 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday

Sunny with cloudy periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -8 °C. Ridge wind south 10-25 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind south 25-45 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Sunny. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind southeast 25-45 km/h. Freezing level 700 meters.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.