Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
Use extra caution below ridgetops, and in cross-loaded features.
Dynamic spring weather could bring you periods of intense sun or snowfall, either of which would increase the avalanche danger. Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported in the last couple of days.
When the sun pokes out you may see natural wet or dry loose avalanches from solar aspects. Spring weather can change quickly so be willing and ready to adjust your trip to the conditions.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo.
Snowpack Summary
Pine Pass was a hotspot for snowfall over the weekend, with storm totals of around 30 cm. For most of the rest of the forecast area, 10-20 cm of mostly soft snow is settling over a widespread crust except north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces. Recent moderate southwest and west wind have formed pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
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Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 20-30 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Light variable wind, increasing in the afternoon to 35 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -3°C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with possible sunny breaks. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1800 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 3-5 cm of snow is expected. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1500 and 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The area around Pine Pass was a hotspot for snowfall over the weekend, with storm totals around 30 cm. Expect to find more widespread slab formation in that area.
Elsewhere, 10-20cm of recent snow was redistributed by moderate southwest and west wind. Expect to find pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
Thinner snowpack areas may be more suspectable to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5