Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
Up to 20 cm of new snow fell along the divide on Wednesday, possibly forming wind slabs in open areas and along ridgelines.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Wednesday’s storm delivered 10 to 20 cm of snow on top of a thick melt-freeze crust. The snowpack is generally well bonded, with no concerning layers, and continues to melt rapidly at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow may be reactive on steep wind-loaded slopes. However, observations from Wednesday suggest minimal wind during the storm, so there’s uncertainty about whether slabs actually formed.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2