Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Limit your exposure to sun-affected slopes if the sun comes out in your area. Strong sunshine and warm temperatures can rapidly increase avalanche danger.
Take care around ridgelines and wind-loaded features. Fresh wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in this region, observations are extremely limited at this point in the season. If you have any observations, let us know what you are seeing through the Mountain Information Network.
On Tuesday, a natural dry loose avalanche cycle was observed, up to size 1.5 from steep alpine terrain.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine and at treeline, 20-40 cm of storm snow is rapidly settling with daytime warming. 20-50 cm deep, a thick melt freeze crust is found up to 2200 m. Southwest winds continue to create deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes above this crust.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong at treeline and above.
A weak layer of large, sugary crystals persists at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Some cloud with clear periods. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels remain above 1500 m overnight.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries delivering around 5 cm. Moderate westerly wind, gusting strong. Freezing levels rise to 2200 m, and remain above 1500 m overnight.
Monday
Cloudt with light westerly winds. Isolated flurries. Freezing levels reach 2200 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light westerly winds. No snowfall expected. Freezing levels rise to 2200m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
New snow may see strong sunshine for the first time on Sunday. Avoid sun-affected slopes in the afternoon as danger can rise quickly.
As temperatures rise, all aspects may become moist. Step off of slopes as snow becomes moist or wet.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Southwest winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs on north and east-facing slopes at treeline and above. Watch for wind loading as you transition to and from ridgeline features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2