Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
Make conservative terrain choices while we see how the snowpack reacts to the storm. New snow and wind are making wind slab avalanches possible.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There is no avalanche activity to report in the last few days.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10cm of soft snow sits over a crust or moist snow on all aspects except north. Moderate southwest wind may be forming deeper, reactive pockets of windslab on leeward slopes. On high northerly slopes, the new snow adds to settling snow from last week that sits on facets and small surface hoar.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
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Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy. 0-8 cm of snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday
Cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate west and southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1200 m. High of -5 °C at treeline.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1200 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light west and southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 10cm of fresh snow has likely been redistributed by moderate southwest wind. Expect to find deeper, reactive pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
On any aspect except north, these slabs will be sitting on a refrozen crust formed by the recent sun and warm temperatures. It will be easier to cause an avalanche where a slab forms over this crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5