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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 6th, 2025–Jan 7th, 2025

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

Regions

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

As winds increase watch for fresh wind slab development at upper elevations.

Look for sheltered areas where snow is preserved and good quality riding can be found.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend, several human and explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported up to size 1 in the Crowsnest region.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

In the eastern part of the region, strong west winds have formed 10 to 20 cm thick wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. This sits on old wind slabs and variable surfaces.

In the western part of the region, 10 to 20 cm of unconsolidated snow is found. This overlies a settled mid-pack.

At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

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.