Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East.
Stiff wind slabs in the alpine may be reactive to human triggers. Seek out areas that have been sheltered from the wind for the lowest avalanche danger and the best riding.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Small dry loose avalanches were observed in steep south facing terrain on Monday. No slab avalanches have been reported in a few days.
If you head into the backcountry consider submitting a MIN post!
Snowpack Summary
Previous strong to extreme westerly wind has scoured slopes in the alpine and formed wind slab on east facing terrain.
20 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun exposed slopes and a layer of surface hoar on all other aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries. 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with a trace of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with new snow up to 5 cm. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slab may still be rider triggerable in exposed terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2