Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Fresh wind slabs are likely to continue to form at higher elevations. Be on the lookout for reactive wind slabs in cross-loaded terrain and around ridge crests.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Observations have generally been limited in the region. However, this MIN report from Saturday describes touchy wind slab conditions in the Crowsnest Pass area.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate southwest wind, has fallen since Saturday. Deeper deposits of new snow can be expected in lee terrain.
The new snow has fallen on firm, wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain, and a thin sun crust on south-facing slopes.
The snowpack depth varies greatly, windward slopes may only have 50 cm on them while leeward slopes could have as much as 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloud building overnight. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New and previously formed wind slabs may remain reactive to rider-triggering. Avoid wind-loaded areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2