Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Watch for blowing snow forming new wind slabs in alpine and open treeline terrain.
Scale back your objective if you find signs of instability like shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds have likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits on leeward terrain in the alpine and wind exposed treeline. 10 to 30 cm of recent snow sits on a hard, frozen crust except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on old, dense, wind-affected snow.
Below 1500 m, moist surfaces will start to get crusty or covered by snow as the freezing level drops.
A layer of weak faceted snow above a hard crust that formed in early February is buried about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is generally getting stronger, and is shielded by crusts above it. It has not produced any recent avalanches.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing dropping to sea level.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. Light to moderate west or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level around 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong southwest wind has transported snow, creating reactive wind slabs below ridgetops and in cross-loaded gullies. Most concerning in the alpine and wind exposed treeline terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Small, loose avalanches are possible during daytime warming.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2