Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
Watch for wind slab formation in exposed alpine terrain with increased winds starting Thursday.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A number of solar-triggered, loose avalanches up to size 1 were reported on Tuesday in steep, south-facing terrain.
If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Dry, powder snow remains on shaded (northerly) slopes. While moist snow or thin crusts exist on solar slopes and all aspects below ~2000 m.
A buried melt-freeze crust exists in the mid-snowpack, down 50 to 120 cm from the surface.
A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack persists, despite any recent avalanche activity. Professionals are still closely tracking this layer to watch for signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Mostly clear. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with cloudy periods. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperature 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with scattered flurries. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Alpine winds will increase on Thursday. Expect wind slabs to form in any terrain that a surface crust does not exist.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2