Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crawford, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, South Rockies, St. Mary.
Small wind slabs may linger on northerly aspects in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a few naturally triggered storm slabs and wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported in the alpine near Fernie.
NOTE: Observations are currently very limited in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of recent snow in localized areas and strong variable wind may have formed wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. However, triggering these slabs will become unlikely on sunny slopes that have a sun crust.
This snow overlies a robust crust everywhere except northerly aspects at upper elevations, where previous snow surfaces may have remained dry.
The mid/lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Lower elevations are melting out rapidly.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 5 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday
Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may linger on northerly aspects in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5