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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 23rd, 2024–Dec 24th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies, Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Anticipate reactive wind slabs on steep, wind-loaded slopes. Snow quality will be best in wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Observations have generally been limited in the region. However, this MIN report from Saturday describes touchy wind slab conditions in the Crowsnest Pass area.

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

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.