Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Anticipate reactive wind slabs on steep, wind-loaded slopes. Snow quality will be best in wind-sheltered terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Explosive control work, on the Alberta side of the region, produced wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong southwest winds have created widespread wind-affected surfaces at treeline and above. Hard wind slabs have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.
In the upper snowpack, a melt-freeze crust and facets exist, particularly in south-facing terrain. Winds likely have scoured recent snow, leaving the crust exposed on the surface in exposed areas.
Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds will continue to form fresh wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2