Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
The sun will be out and the freezing level is forecast to be higher than it has been in the past few days. As a result there may be an increase in wet loose avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
There was rider triggered size 2 avalanche reported on Saturday in the Hasler area. Check out the MIN report here.
Snowpack Summary
Recent moderate winds from the northeast may redistributed recent new snow and develop small, isolated wind slabs directly lee of ridges. These new wind slabs sit over a crust on solar aspects and on high north-facing terrain possibly over facets and/or surface hoar.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer could still be a concern in very shallow snowpack areas.
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Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly clear. Light northeast wind. High of -8 °C at treeline. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of -2 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1600m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate northeast wind. High of 0 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1800m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -1 °C at treeline. Freezing level 1700m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The sun may be out for extended periods so expect to see an increase in thin loose wet avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5