Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Reactive wind slabs may exist at upper elevations, especially on north through east facing terrain.
Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or cracking beneath your feet.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a natural size 3 wet slab avalanche was reported. It was on a south-facing slope, and it's suspected that it occurred midday when the sun came out.
Developing wind slabs may exist with new snow and moderate southwest winds, especially on north aspects at treeline and above. They may be reactive to rider triggers.
Snowpack Summary
New snowfall of up to 20 cm exists at treeline and above. North aspects above 2200 m are holding dry snow. A surface crust has formed at and below treeline. However, this crust is likely to soften with daytime warming at lower elevations and extend into the alpine on slopes exposed to the sun.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm 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
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level falling to 1400 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries up to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries. 40 to 75 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 gusting to 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New and reactive windslab will be found near and below ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Rain at lower elevations and brief periods of sun on solar slopes can trigger natural wet loose avalanches.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2