Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
25-35 cm of recent snow and northerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs that are sitting on hard surfaces. Reactive wind slabs may be found on aspects that are generally windward, so be on the lookout for wind slabs on most aspects in open terrain.
Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several explosive triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Tuesday.
Recently formed wind slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggers.
Snowpack Summary
25-35 cm of recent snow and northerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs that are sitting on hard surfaces. Reactive wind slabs may be found on aspects that are generally windward, so be on the lookout for wind slabs on all aspects in open terrain.
The middle of the snowpack is well-settled. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack but have not yet created a major avalanche problem, unlike some of the neighboring regions. However, we continue to track this layer and may see a problem develop as more snow accumulates and slab formation continues above it.
The average snowpack depth is around 150 cm while up to 250 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night
Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light, east ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -30 C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy / Light, east ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -25 C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, east ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -26 C.
Friday
Sunny / Strong, west ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -17 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
25-35 cm of recent snow and northerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs that are sitting on hard surfaces. Reactive wind slabs may be found on aspects that are generally windward, so be on the lookout for wind slabs on all aspects in open terrain.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3