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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2023–Apr 3rd, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

An unstable weather pattern will bring clouds, sun and flurries Monday. Sporadic flurries and wind will continue to promote wind slab formation at upper elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of recent avalanche activity in the region. That being said, a size 3 natural triggered deep persistent slab avalanche was reported March 28 in Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country to the north. This was associated with warm temperatures and sun.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind are forming wind slabs at higher elevations.

The mid snowpack holds several persistent weak layers including layers of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain and sun crusts on south facing slopes. No recent activity has occurred on these layers.

The lower snowpack is made up of a widespread layer of large, weak basal facets and depth hoar in some areas. Neighboring Kananaskis Country reports continued avalanche activity on this layer. Avoid thin and rocky areas where this weak layer is more likely to trigger.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 1-3cm. Light southwest wind. Alpine high of -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, accumulation 1-5cm. Light to moderate northeast wind. Alpine high of -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light east wind. Alpine high of -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high of -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow and wind continue to promote wind slab development in exposed lee terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4