Avalanche Forecast

Limited observations from the weekend storm showed small dry loose avalanches releasing with skier traffic below treeline. We also expect some degree of a natural avalanche cycle took place at higher, wind affected elevations, and in areas like Pine Pass and the MacGregors, where up to about 40 cm of new snow accumulated.

Earlier in the week there was evidence of deep persistent slab activity that likely occurred during last weekend's storm with avalanches up to size 3.5. While we currently expect the deep weak layer to be dormant, riders should continue to avoid steep, thin, rocky slopes where triggering a deep persistent avalanche would be most likely, particularly near alpine ridgelines.

Looking forward, we expect new wind slabs from Saturday's storm will remain sensitive to human triggering for a bit longer than usual, owing to the weak faceted snow they overlie.

From 20 up to about 40 cm of new snow fell in higher snowfall areas of the region like Pine Pass and the MacGregors over the weekend, with one operator in the MacGregors reporting up to 80 cm! Closer to 5-15 cm fell in eastern locations like Tumbler and Kakwa.

The new snow overlies faceted (sugary), heavily wind affected snow from recent cold temperatures and north winds. This means a mix of stubborn, old, faceted winds slabs may still be found on south-facing aspects while newer, more reactive wind slabs exist on more north-facing aspects.

The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.

A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. The layer is currently considered dormant, except perhaps in very steep alpine terrain that is inherently shallow. Riders should continue to avoid thin, rocky terrain where the likelihood of triggering this layer is higher.

Monday night

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries and up to 5 cm of new snow. Light southeast winds.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy. Light east winds. Treeline high temperatures around -14 °C.

Wednesday

Increasing cloud and flurries with a trace of new snow by end of day, increasing overnight. Winds becoming strong southwest. Treeline high temperatures around -10.

Thursday

Cloudy with continuing snowfall bringing 10-20 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. Strong southwest winds easing a bit over the day. Treeline high temperatures around -9.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.