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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 19th, 2024–Feb 20th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

Continue practicing safe travel habits and group management.

Consider the consequences of a small avalanche or any fall before committing to large features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Existing wind slabs are likely getting harder to trigger.

On Saturday, west of Pincher Creek, explosive testing produced a couple of large (size 2) avalanches that failed on faceted snow above the early February rain crust.

Snowpack Summary

Recent moderate to strong winds have varied in direction, forming wind slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. In terrain sheltered from the wind, expect 30 to 50 cm over the thick rain crust that formed in early February. Weak, sugary facets have formed above this crust.

At treeline and below, a sun crust may be found on the surface on aspects that face the sun.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1-5 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -3 °C. Freezing level to 1000 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 40 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. trace amounts of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.