Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Northerly winds may be creating wind slabs on atypical slopes.
Extreme cold significantly increases the consequences of an incident in the backcountry.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few storm or wind slab avalanches, both naturally and explosive triggered, were reported since the weekend, up to size 2.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Northerly winds at all elevations continue to redistribute the new snow from earlier this week. This new snow has buried various pre-existing crusts, surface hoar, old wind-affected surfaces, or facets.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled with a series of crusts and facetted snow.
The height of snow at treeline is roughly 50 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear with no precipitation, northeast winds up to 30 km/h at all elevations, treeline temperature -37 °C.
Friday
Sunny with no precipitation, northeast winds up to 30 km/h at all elevations, treeline temperature -35 °C.
Saturday
Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -30 °C.
Sunday
Sunny with no precipitation, north alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -30 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Northerly winds may be redistributing recent snow at all elevations, potentially resulting in an atypical loading pattern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2