Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
Choose terrain that is sheltered from the wind for the best riding and the lowest avalanche danger. Additional snow and wind Tuesday night and Wednesday will promote wind slab development.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a large (size 2), rider triggered, windslab avalanche was reported south of Crowsnest Pass. It occured in an open, cross-loaded feature below tree line on a north facing slope.
On Saturday, in neighboring Waterton National park, a similar but smaller (size 1.5) rider triggered avalanche occured on a southeast facing slope below treeline.
Wind slabs may linger directly lee of ridges at high elevations. See this MIN post for an example.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of recent snow coupled with moderate to strong southwest winds has built wind slabs in lee and crossloaded features at alpine and treeline elevations, and in open features below treeline. A melt-freeze crust can be found at 2100 m and below at variable depths, on the surface on windward slopes, and buried 15 to 20 cm in lees. Wind slabs may be more reactive where they sit on this crust.
The middle of the snowpack is consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack.
The average snowpack depth is 120 cm. Up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -4 °C, freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate northwest or west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Strong west or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. Strong west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and moderate winds have built new wind slabs over older wind slabs. Expect these slabs to be most reactive in leeward terrain like ridgetops and cross-loaded features, and where a firm bed surface exists.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2