Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bonnington, Crawford, Crowsnest South, Flathead, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, St. Mary, Ymir.
Temperatures are on the rise and the sun is coming out, increasing avalanche danger through the day. Plan to ride more conservative terrain as the day progresses.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a few large storm slabs were reported near Fernie (size 1.5 and 2). As well, small wet loose avalanches above the crust have been occurring daily for several days.
It's expected that avalanche activity will increase as the sun hits the recent storm snow for the first time. Resulting in slabs and loose avalanches. Wind loaded pockets may still be rider-triggered up high, too.
Snowpack Summary
The last two days brought around 30 to 50 cm of snow from the storm, with closer to 20 in Alberta. The new snow is likely sitting on a crust up high or moist snow down low. As the sun comes out and the temperature rises, this snow is likely to slide on the crust.
The upper snowpack is wet, with several softening crusts. Several weak layers from early March, mid-February, and late January can be found in the mid and lower snowpack.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, clearing. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny with 2 cm of snow ending in the morning. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New storm snow may not stick well to the underlying crust. It needs time to bond. Slabs will be deeper and more easily triggered on slopes lee to the wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Low elevation snow may be soaked by rain. Use caution on or underneath steep features, especially those facing the sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices may fail during warm temperatures and sunshine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5