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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 31st, 2025–Feb 1st, 2025

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

Regions

South Rockies, Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger.

It's time to step back. Check out the new Forecaster Blog "Shifting your Mindset"

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

The new snow will be very reactive this weekend. Expect storm slabs anywhere deeper deposits have formed and fast-moving dry loose avalanches in steep terrain. Natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Flurries on Saturday will bring storm totals to 15 to 25 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. The new snow will likely bond poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations. The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud 1 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.