Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Be alert to rapidly varying conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to sun and wind.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported this week, however, data is very limited.
Looking forward, we expect there may be potential for wet loose avalanches during the warmest parts of the day, or small wind slabs on high elevation wind-loaded slopes.
If you head to the backcountry this weekend, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 20 cm of recent snow is overlying a crust at upper elevations. In most areas, the new snow will be moist or wet as the sun effect and daytime warming kick in. The exception will be high alpine north and east-facing slopes that may still hold dry snow and some potential wind slabs.
There are no layers of concern in the mid and lower snowpack. The snowpack is rapidly melting out at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Moslty cloudy, with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature low -5 °C. Freezing level 1600 m falling to valley bottom.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Be alert to changing conditions throughout the day.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and wind may have built isolated wind slabs in the alpine. Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Remain cautious on sun-exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet. Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5