Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Watch for rapidly changing conditions as you shift aspect and elevations.
Strong sunshine may produce natural avalanches, and wind affected slopes likely remain reactive.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity was reported to size 2 on Monday, from explosive triggers on east/southeast facing slopes. Avalanches occurred within the storm snow and on the buried weak layer from late January.
During the weekend's storm natural avalanche activity was observed to size 3.
While natural activity has tapered we expect human triggering to continue. Strong sunshine may increase the reactivity of wind and persistent slabs.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall has settled to around 30 cm of new snow with strong southwest winds redistributing snow into deeper deposits at treeline and above.
Strong sunshine is expected to create moist snow on sun affected slopes on Wednesday. Moist snow is also present at low elevations from recent warm temperatures and rain.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 40 to 60 cm deep (see photo below). This layer is expected to remain reactive with the warmer temperatures and new snow/ rain. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies with 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m, treeline temperatures of +1 °C.
Thursday
Clear skies with 50 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind, gusting near 90 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 2100 m, treeline temperatures of +2 °C.
Friday
Clear skies with 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels rise to 2300 m, treeline temperatures of +4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Deep deposits are expected near ridgelines, and lower on the slope in areas that received stronger winds. Avoid hollow, drum-like sounding snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar and/or facets produced avalanche activity during the recent storm. This layer is likely still reactive from warm temperatures and snowfall.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3