Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies, St. Mary.
Carefully assess for changing conditions - unstable, spring weather can deliver highly variable snow amounts or periods of strong sun, which can increase avalanche hazard locally.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow overlays variable old surfaces, including a hard crust on solar aspects and lower elevations. Wind slabs persist in exposed lee terrain.
The mid snowpack holds several persistent weak layers including layers of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain and old crusts on south-facing slopes. No recent activity has occurred on these layers.
The lower snowpack is made up of a widespread layer of large, weak basal facets and depth hoar in areas. Neighboring Kananaskis Country reports continued avalanche activity on this layer. Avoid thin and rocky areas where this weak layer is more likely to trigger.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Mostly cloudy with clear periods and scattered flurries. 0 to 5 cm of accumulation. Light east ridgetop winds. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud, with scattered flurries. Light east ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1200 m.
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.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow and wind has formed wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack remains weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4