Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Warm temperatures and strong sun will increase the likelihood of falling cornices and wet loose avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a few natural and rider-triggered triggered size 1-2 wind slabs were reported on southerly aspects in the alpine.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
On the surface, up to 20 cm of recent snow exists on northerly aspects in the alpine. Solar aspects and lower elevations will sport a crust or moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm variable strength crust from last week's rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
A persistent weak layer from early March, 40 to 80 cm deep, most likely exists as surface hoar on sheltered north and east aspects in the alpine. Its distribution is variable, and there have been no substantial reports of recent avalanches, but it should still be considered when evaluating slopes.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +3°C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Sunday
Sunny with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon. Possible light flurries or showers 2-4 cm. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.
Monday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely on steep solar slopes when the sun is strong.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Warm temperatures and strong sun may cause large, destructive cornice failures.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3