Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Tuesday, a natural wind slab was observed from a northeast aspect in the alpine near Fernie (size 2). Several skier-triggered wind slabs were also reported up to size 1.

On Wednesday, explosive control produced three size 1 storm slabs from north-facing alpine terrain.

Looking forward to Thursday, fresh reactive wind slabs are expected to form in lee areas through out the day as southwest winds redistribute new snow.

Up to 10 cm of new snow can be expected by end of day Thursday. Southwest winds will redistribute this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations

Below the new snow, a melt-freeze crust exists below approximately 1500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.

Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 1 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

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.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.