Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

Wednesday Night: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Alpine high temperature around -6 C. Moderate to strong northwest wind.

Thursday: Mainly cloudy with some sunny breaks. Alpine high temperature around -6 C. Moderate northwest wind.

Friday: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine high temperature around -7 C. Light to moderate west and northwest wind.

Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high temperature around -8 C. Moderate northwest wind.

We are aware of an avalanche that occurred Sunday Feb 2 in the Upper Burnt area that is presumed to involve a snowmobiler. Preliminary information indicates that avalanche was a size 2.5 on a southeast aspect at 1600 m with a fracture line depth of 130 cm.

Anywhere from 15-40 cm of new snow has fallen in the past two days throughout the region. This may now have obscure previous wind effect in exposed terrain an may be sitting on a rain crust that formed last weekend below 1600m approximately. 

In the mid-pack there may still be a layer of surface hoar buried in late December. It's gaining strength, but may remain a concern. The warm wet storm on Feb 01 will have tested this layer in the short-term and will improve it in the longer-term; however, we're awaiting evidence before considering it dormant. This layer is found across much of the North Rockies region but our focus is around McBride and the McGregors/Torpy.

• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.