Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Avoid wind-loaded features where you're more likely to trigger a slab.
The best riding can be found in sheltered terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the sun triggered several wet loose avalanches (up to size 2) in steep south-facing terrain. Many of which scrubbed down to facet layers.
Two large, explosive-triggered avalanches (size 2 and 3) were reported on Monday in the region's south. Both avalanches occurred at treeline on southeast slopes. They failed on sugary facets down 30 to 50 cm.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of recent snowfall continues to be redistributed by southwest wind. There is a layer of sugary facets that are buried 30-50 cm deep and in some places sits on a crust from December.
The lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow that have been unreactive so far. Expect snow depth at treeline to be 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with no new snow, west alpine winds 25 to 40km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with no new snow, west alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with no new snow, southwest alpine winds 35 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs over facets may take longer than normal to heal. Avoid cross-loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5