Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
It's a great time to get up high in the backcountry.
Remember to practice good travel habits, watch for signs of instability, and assess for wind loading as you go.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Monday there was one size 1.5 natural wind slab avalanche from a steep headwall near Fernie.
Snowpack Summary
A small amount of new snow sits over variable layers including crusts on solar aspects, old faceting wind slabs, and well-settled powder.
The upper snowpack contains a couple of thick, hard crusts buried 10 to 20 cm and 30 to 70 cm deep. Below, the midpack is well settled.
The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50 to 130 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, no precipitation, west alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
ThursdayA mix of sun and cloud, 1 cm of snow, west alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
FridayA mix of sun and cloud, 5 cm of snow, west alpine wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °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.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Riders are more likely to trigger this problem near Fernie.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5