Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Choose simple terrain, avoiding overhead hazards.
The deeper the new snow, the more dangerous the storm slab problem is likely to be.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday there was a large (size 2) natural wind slab from extreme terrain in Kakwa. (see photo)
As the new snow piles up, avalanche activity will increase. Weak layers buried in the snowpack mean larger than expected avalanches may occur.
Snowpack Summary
The ongoing storm has so far delivered 10 to 30 cm with more on the way. Snowfall amounts vary greatly, with more in the south of the region.
Under the new storm snow is a melt-freeze crust on all aspects to 1600 m.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is found 20 to 50 cm down in many areas. A second weak layer buried 60 to 90 cm consists of surface hoar, facets, and/or a hard crust. These persistent layers remain a concern, with the potential for large step-down avalanches.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storms slabs will likely be more dangerous in the south of the region. The deeper the new snow, the more dangerous the avalanche conditions will be.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers persist within the upper 90 cm of the snowpack. Avoid shallow areas where triggering these layers is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3