Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Start and finish your day early. Warm temperatures and strong sun will increase the likelihood of falling cornices and small, surface avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a few natural and rider-triggered triggered size 1-2 wind slabs were reported on southerly aspects in the alpine.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
On the surface, up to 20 cm of recent snow exists on northerly aspects in the alpine. Solar aspects and lower elevations will sport a crust or moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm variable strength crust from last week's rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
A persistent weak layer from early March, 40 to 80 cm deep, most likely exists as surface hoar on sheltered north and east aspects in the alpine. Its distribution is variable, and there have been no substantial reports of recent avalanches, but it should still be considered when evaluating slopes.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly clear. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Sunday
Increasing cloud cover. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may exist in the alpine and are most likely to be triggered by strong sun or where they overlie a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely on steep solar slopes when the sun is strong.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
Warm temperatures and strong sun may cause large, destructive cornice failures.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3