Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
The best and safest riding will be in low-angled sheltered terrain where the snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday two notable cornice failures in the northern Elk Valley produced slabs on northeast facing ridges that stepped down to the persistent weak layer lower down. Numerous small size 1 wind slabs and loose dry avalanches were observed in the Crowsnest, as well as size 2 wind slabs by Castle Mtn.
Avalanches on the persistent weak layer are becoming less likely to trigger, but if they do, they can be large and highly destructive.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall of 10 to 20 cm, combined with strong southwest winds, has formed wind slabs near ridgetops and on leeward slopes facing north through east. Below 1900 m and on sun-exposed aspects, the new snow rests atop a firm crust left behind by previous warm temperatures and sun.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 40 to 80 cm. This layer previously triggered large avalanches in early March, and continues to show reactivity in snowpack tests. The greatest concern is for areas lacking a thick, supportive crust under the new snow —particularly at upper elevations on northerly and easterly slopes.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with 2 to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 25 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow combined with southwest winds built wind slabs on lee slopes. Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried 40 to 80 cm. The greatest concern for triggering lies on upper elevation northerly through easterly slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3