Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
Watch for wind loading on all aspects and elevations as winds shift. Recent storm snow may rapidly form reactive slabs in unexpected terrain features.
Be aware that reactivity may increase on south facing slopes if skies clear.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday but observations remain limited. We expect natural and human triggered avalanches to have occurred primarily in higher, wind affected elevations.
Nearby, storm slabs were naturally and skier triggered. Deep persistent avalanches were also reported in nearby regions, mainly south of Valemount in the Rockies. This layer is present in this region, but currently considered 'dormant' as it has not produced recent activity. Backcountry users should continue to avoid thin and rocky start zones where triggering a deep persistent avalanche would be most likely.
Observations are limited, please post any information or photos from your travel on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Variable winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper deposits on many aspects. Storm totals overlie faceted (sugary and weak), heavily wind affected snow from previous cold temperatures and north winds, now roughly 20-60 cm deep. This interface remains slow to bond and gain strength.
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. Riders should continue to avoid thin, rocky terrain where it may be possible to trigger this layer.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with easing flurries bringing up to 3 cm overnight. Light southeast winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate easterly winds, potentially gusting strong at lower elevations with the arctic influence. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -10 °C. Possible flurries
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate east winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -15 °C. Possible flurries
Monday
Mostly cloudy. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -12 °C. Light snowfall possible.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow has previously been affected by south/west winds. On Saturday moderate (gusting strong) easterly winds are expected to create reverse loading patterns, with elevated wind speeds expected at lower elevations. Carefully assess all aspects for signs of wind loading and be aware wind loading may occur at lower elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2