Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger.
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Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The new snow will be very reactive this weekend. Expect storm slabs anywhere deeper deposits have formed and fast-moving dry loose avalanches in steep terrain. Natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Flurries on Saturday will bring storm totals to 15 to 25 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. The new snow will likely bond poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations. The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud 1 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will bond poorly to underlying layers, with deeper slabs expected on northeast aspects due to wind loading. Dry loose avalanches are likely in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2