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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2025–Jan 5th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.

Wind slabs will begin to develop rapidly as strong wind will easily transport significant amounts of dry snow.

Plan to avoid area below ridge crests where wind has transported snow.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday near Mount Haig, explosive testing produced one small (size 1.5 ) storm slab avalanche.

Few loose dry avalanches out of steep alpine and treeline terrain were observed in the Elk Valley on Tuesday.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

Low density snow and variable strong winds will begin to form wind slabs on all aspects.

Past snow accumulations vary across the region from 10 to 20 cm. The previous southwest wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations in the east part of the region, while the surface snow is mostly unconsolidated in the west part of the region.

At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Overcast with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 10 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with light flurries 1 cm. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday

Clearing in the afternoon. 5 to 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Increasing wind from initially south and then north will transport very light and low density snow to create new wind slabs in immediate lee areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2