Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Approach ridgelines and wind affected slopes with caution.
Head to wind sheltered slopes for the best riding conditions.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wind loaded features were rider triggerable on Saturday, producing size one slabs. We expect this activity to continue.
Observations are limited, please submit a MIN if you head into the backcountry!
Snowpack Summary
Surfaces at higher elevations are heavily wind effected, with wind loading on east facing slopes and likely scoured west facing slopes.
A melt freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack, reports suggest it is currently not a problem for the region.
Treeline snow depths are typically 50 to 80 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature dropping to -10 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with afternoon cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs remain reactive to human triggers. Fresh slabs will form where snow is available for transport.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2