Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
The best riding will be in terrain sheltered from the wind where recent snow remains soft.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any new reports of avalanches since Saturday, when a few large (size 3) wind slabs avalanches were triggered on southwest aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.
Looking forward, it remains possible for riders to trigger wind slab avalanches on southerly slopes at higher elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Extensive wind effect is found in the alpine from strong northeast wind. In wind-sheltered terrain, around 15 cm of soft snow overlies a faceted upper snowpack. A hard melt-freeze crust from mid-January may be found around 50 to 90 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is consolidated.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Overcast with light flurries. 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -24 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Friday
Overcast. 10 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found on atypical slopes due to strong northeast wind. Assess for slabs before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2