Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Fresh snow may remain sensitive to triggering; don't let good riding pull you into the big steep terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
There are only a few eyes out in the mountains, but I haven't received recent reports of avalanches. If you do get out riding please consider reporting in the MIN,
Snowpack Summary
Upper Snowpack: Recent new snow was redistributed by the wind forming wind slabs. Cold temperatures are starting to break them apart (faceting transforms the slab into less cohesive sugary granules). Below this is a layer of wind hardened or settled snow.
Lower Snowpack: cold temperatures have weakened and faceted the snowpack. A basal rain crust sits near the ground.
Total snowpack depths at treeline elevations are 40-70 cm and in the alpine 60-120 cm. Below treeline elevations remain below the threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Tuesday NightSoutherly wind, increasing as sunrise approaches. Trace to a few cm of snow. Temps around -15 to -20 C.
WednesdayModerate southerly wind, 5 to maybe 15 cm of snow, Temps in the minus teens.
ThursdayWind veering to west and snow ending near sunrise. Temps steady in the minus teens. Mix of sun and clouds.
FridayDry, Mostly sunny. Continued cold temps. Light westerly winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found in leeward terrain just below ridgecrests. However, recent northerly winds have created a slightly unusual pattern.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2