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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 5th, 2025–Feb 6th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Bull, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.

Continue to choose mellow terrain and avoid areas where snow feels stiff or slabby. The recent snow will take time to bond.

Check out the Forecaster Blog "Keeping a Conservative Mindset"

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, west of Fernie, a few large (up to size 2.5) natural wind slab avalanches were reported on north and east aspects in the alpine.

On Monday, two natural, size 3, storm slab avalanches were observed, likely triggered by overnight winds. These avalanches occurred on exposed northeast alpine slopes.

Due to a weak layer of loose snow formed during the cold drought period, the recent storm snow may take more time than usual to bond to the rest of the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow totals range from 40 to 70 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. With the wind switching to the west, you may now find wind-affected snow on most aspects in exposed terrain.

The storm snow has bonded poorly to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. Ridgetop wind decreasing to light variable. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 15 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are forecasted to taper off through the day on Thursday, but slabs formed overnight are likely to be reactive to human triggers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Storm Slabs

The recent snow has bonded poorly to underlying layers. Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3