Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday

The strong ridge of high pressure is expected to chew up a weak system that attempts to enter the region Sunday. On Monday, we'll see some mid & high level cloud as said system limps across the province. Winds are expected to be light out of the NW for most of the day before switching to the NE in the evening as what's left of the system exits to the east. The region will likely see a little bit of upslope conditions which could result in a bit of snow, at the moment the forecast calls for 6 - 8 cm, but it should be noted that this type of activity is hard to forecast. Skies clear overnight Monday. Tuesday starts off cool and cloudy. We may even see the occasional flurry as a weak trough passes over the region. High pressure steps back in around lunch time and should remain in place through Wednesday.Monday:Alpine Wind: NW20Alpine Temp: -8Precip: 6-8 cm in the evening.Freezing Level: 1100mTuesday:Alpine Wind: W-NW 10 - 30Alpine Temp: -4Precip: NilFreezing Level: 950m

Last weekend numerous highly destructive persistent deep slab avalanches involving basal facets and depth hoar occurred in the alpine and ran to valley bottoms (check out the Avalanche Image Gallery under the Library tab for some photos).

In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cm. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was activated by warm temperatures last weekend, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.