Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Extreme cold will significantly increase the consequences of any incident in the backcountry.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few storm or wind slab avalanches, both naturally and explosive triggered, were reported since the weekend, up to size 2.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Northerly winds are currently redistributing around 15 to 30 cm of recent snow at all elevations. This new snow has buried various pre-existing crusts, surface hoar, old wind-affected surfaces, or facets.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled with a series of variable crusts and facetted snow.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, northeast alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -22 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with trace snow amounts, northeast winds 20 to 40 km/h at all elevations, treeline temperature -32 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny with no precipitation, northeast alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -35 °C.
Saturday
Sunny with no precipitation, north alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -35 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Northerly winds may be redistributing recent snow at all elevations, potentially resulting in an atypical loading pattern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2