Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

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Look for areas that have been sheltered from the wind for the lowest avalanche danger and the softest snow.

Wind slabs are a concern at all elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

  • Friday: The south rockies field team found hard wind slab in the treeline and below treeline see their MIN report here.

  • Thursday: Southwest of Pincher Creek, a small (size 1), rider triggered slab avalanche was reported in east facing treeline terrain. See the MIN post here for more information.

  • Ongoing sluffing from steep terrain has been reported throughout the region.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 35 cm of soft snow is on the surface in sheltered terrain, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Wind has varied in direction and speed, so expect to find wind affect on all aspects.

The new snow may be bonding 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

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Cold temperatures are keeping the surface snow available for transport. Moderate winds may be forming fresh, reactive wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2025 4:00PM

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