Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Poor visibility restricted field observations on Wednesday and Thursday, but a widespread avalanche cycle is suspected to have occurred with very large avalanches due to the heavy storm ongoing since Tuesday night.

Recent natural slabs (up to size 1.5) were reported in gladed low-angle trees at low elevations near Kakwa.

The latest storm added 40 to 60 cm of additional new snow to the snowpack, brining to totals to 90 to 120 cm since Monday. Strong to extreme westerly wind redistributed this new snow, farther downslope than normal, forming reactive slabs down to all elevations.

This overlies old settling snow in wind-sheltered terrain, hard wind-affected snow in open areas and/or a solid melt-freeze crust in wind-exposed terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no layers of concern.

Thursday Night

Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Friday

Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Give the new snow several days to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
• Recent strong wind means wind slabs may be found farther downslope than expected.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.