Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Watch for persistent slabs to become reactive as the temperature continues to rise over the next few days.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday there were reports of large (size 2) dry loose avalanches running in steep terrain. These were stepping down to a weak layer of facets buried in late January. Expect this layer of facets to become more reactive as the temperature gradually warms and snow above becomes more cohesive.
Snowpack Summary
Around 25 cm of new snow sits on 20 to 40 cm of mostly faceted snow. This all sits on a weak layer of surface hoar or facets buried in late January now buried 40 to 60 cm.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 20 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Loose avalanches may step down to deeper layers, resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer surface hoar and/or facets is buried 40 to 60 cm and may become more reactive as the temperature rises in the coming days.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches will be likely in steep terrain where new snow hasn't formed a slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5