Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Be cautious of stiff wind slabs at ridgetops and rollovers.
These slabs may not bond well with the crust beneath them.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Saturday.
On Friday, numerous small wet loose avalanches were reported from slopes facing the sun.
Our North Rockies field team reported a small (size 1) rider-triggered wind slab avalanche that occurred on Thursday. Northeast aspect at treeline. See photos.
If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
South through west aspects are stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. This crust exists at all elevations. On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.
In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 5 to 10 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.
Surface hoar is growing on all aspects at all elevations up to 12 mm, even on ridgetops.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. -5 °C.
Sunday
Clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m on the east side of the region.
Monday
A mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
This problem is most concerning where a wind slab sits over weak, sugary faceted crystals which have formed on top of a thick crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2