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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2023–Jan 30th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Watch for pockets of stiff wind slab at upper elevations from recent winds. These slabs may be in atypical areas due to reverse-loading.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, several wind slabs, up to size 1, were reported to be reactive to natural and human triggers.

Loose dry avalanches were reported on Friday, as new snow accumulated.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of storm snow can be found, affected by moderate to strong north/east winds at higher elevations. New snow sits over wind affected surfaces at higher elevations.

A melt freeze crust from mid January may sit just below the surface in exposed areas and around 30 cm deep in sheltered terrain, found up to 2100 m.

The mid snowpack continues to settle and is well consolidated. Facets exist near the base of the snowpack. Total snowpack depth ranges between 100 cm to 200 cm in wind loaded areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly clear with cloudy periods. Northwesterly ridgetop winds 40-50 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -23°C.

Monday

Mainly sunny with increasing clouds and isolated flurries in the evening, trace accumulation. Northwesterly ridgetop winds switch to westerly in the afternoon 60 km/h. Alpine high temperatures of -16°C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds occasionally gusting 60 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -12°C.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds occasionally gusting 60 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -8°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Although their spatial distribution is isolated, wind slabs are reactive.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect to find fresh reactive wind slabs on south and west-facing terrain features. Wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie the mid-January crust.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2