Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
The best riding will be in terrain sheltered from the wind where recent snow remains soft.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any new reports of avalanches since last Saturday, when a few large (size 3) wind slabs avalanches were triggered on southwest aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.
Looking forward, it remains possible for riders to trigger wind slab avalanches on southerly slopes at higher elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Extensive wind effect is found in the alpine from past strong northeast wind. In wind-sheltered terrain, around 15 cm of soft snow overlies a faceted upper snowpack. A hard melt-freeze crust from mid-January may be found around 50 to 90 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is consolidated and strong
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline low temperature -28 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with increasing clouds. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found on atypical slopes due to strong northeast wind. Assess for slabs before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2