Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crawford, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, South Rockies, St. Mary.
An incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day.
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Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new reports on Wednesday.
With new snow and strong wind forecast, natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of snow is forecast by Friday afternoon and will likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. These consist of faceted snow, surface hoar in shaded wind-sheltered areas and a hard melt-freeze crust found on the snow surface on sunny slopes. At high elevations, the new snow buries the widespread wind effect found in wind-exposed terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is strong.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow up to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Saturday
New snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will have a poor bond to the underlying snow surfaces and human triggering is likely. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
Dry loose avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2