Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Wet loose avalanches remain likely after sustained warmth and sun. The snowpack needs time to cool and recover.
New and reactive wind slabs are forming in the alpine on north aspect terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a few natural and rider-triggered triggered size 1-2 wind slabs were reported on southerly aspects in the alpine.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
New snowfall of up to 10 cm overlies primarily moist surface conditions. Solar aspects and lower elevations will begin to develop a crust or still present as moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm variable strength crust from last week's rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
A persistent weak layer from early March, 40 to 80 cm deep, most likely exists as surface hoar on sheltered north and east aspects in the alpine. Its distribution is variable, and there have been no substantial reports of recent avalanches, but it should still be considered when evaluating slopes.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level falling to 1500 m.
Monday
Cloudy, 1 to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy, 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely as warm temperatures persist.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
New and reactive windslab will be found near and below ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Warm temperatures may cause large, destructive cornice failures.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3