Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Small slabs may be present in the alpine and are most likely to trigger in wind affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a few naturally triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on southerly aspects in the alpine.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of recent snow overlies a crust in most areas, except shady aspects in the alpine where soft or wind affected dry snow may be found. Recent snow amounts taper with elevation.
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
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Thursday
Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Small slabs may be present in the alpine and are most likely to trigger in wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5