Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Another warm-up brings rising freezing levels and sunny conditions.
Expect increasing avalanche activity within the recent storm snow.
Take time to read the new forecasters' blog.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, numerous storm slabs and dry loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported in the region. The storm slabs were generally in wind-affected terrain and were natural and human-triggered.
Expect increasing avalanche activity within the recent snow with the forecasted warm weather.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25 cm of rapidly settling snow sits on a thick and supportive crust from late March. The snow surface is either moist or capped with a thin melt-freeze crust on all aspects and all elevations, except for high north-facing terrain.
A weak layer of facets from late January can still be found down around 1 meter. This layer may remain a concern where the late March crust isn't present, such as high north-facing terrain.
The snowpack is quickly disappearing below treeline.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level returning to valley bottom.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6° C. Freezing level around 3000 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level around 2800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
As surfaces become wet, loose wet avalanches will become more likely on steep south-facing slopes at all elevations.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls are becoming a concern. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards during the warmest part of the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3