Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
The new snow falling over the weekend came with strong east and northeast wind, so expect to find wind slabs in areas you normally don't see them.
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
There were reports of numerous skier controlled dry loose and wind slab avalanches to size 1 and 1.5 on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
20 - 30 cm of new snow has accumulated over a crust at most elevations.
There is a layer of sugary facets that are buried 30-50 cm deep and in some places may sit on a crust. Avalanches on this layer are unlikely, but we continued to monitor its reactivity.
The lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow that are more prominent in shallow areas in the east and north of this forecast region.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 - 2 cm. Wind southwest 10 - 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Monday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 - 2 cm. Wind southwest 15 - 35 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level near valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Wind southwest 20 - 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Wind southwest 10 - 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 30 cm of new snow coupled with moderate to strong east and north east wind have formed wind slabs in lee terrain. Expect to find slabs in areas where you don't normally see them.
Aspects: South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2