Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
While the snowpack is generally expected to be stable, continually monitor and assess conditions as you travel. Isolated wind slabs may still exist in extreme terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a small wet loose avalanche was observed on a steep, sun-exposed slope.
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snow depths are typically 50 to 80 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Heavily wind-affected surfaces are being reported in exposed terrain. A new sun crust is reported to be forming on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
There is a melt-freeze crust near the base of the snowpack, but it generally appears to be stable and is not currently expected to be a problem for the region.
Check out this new MIN post from the South Rockies field team for more snowpack details.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may form if there is soft snow available for transport.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5