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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 21st, 2025–Feb 22nd, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.

Watch for persistent slabs to become reactive as the temperature continues to rise.

In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, explosives triggered a size 2 wind slab near Castle Mountain.

On Wednesday, a large (size 2.5) persistent slab failed on a north-facing alpine slope near Line Creek.

On Tuesday, there were reports of large (size 2) dry loose avalanches running in steep terrain. These were stepping down to a weak layer of facets buried in late January.

Snowpack Summary

Significant wind effect at upper elevations, and some lingering stubborn wind slabs have been reported for areas east of the Continental Divide. Around 25 cm of recent settling snow sits on 20 to 40 cm of mostly faceted snow. This all rests on a weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January now buried 40 to 60 cm. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow / rain possible below 1600 m. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow/ rain possible below 1700m. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer surface hoar and/or facets is buried 40 to 60 cm and may become more reactive as the temperature rises in the coming days.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Stubborn, lingering wind slabs have been reported in areas east of the Continental Divide.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2