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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 1st, 2023–Jan 2nd, 2023
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A small (size 1) wind slab avalanche was triggered by explosives on Saturday. Several large (size 2 to 3) wind slabs were observed in the neighbouring Waterton Lakes National Park, releasing in alpine terrain on easterly aspects between 2000 and 2300 m.

Looking ahead, riders could trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. It is possible that sunny skies could produce small wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 cm of snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust up to around 2000 m. Strong southwest wind redistributed the surface snow, stripping it from wind-exposed terrain and forming wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridgelines. Moist snow or a surface crust may be found up to around 1600 m on all aspects and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes.

The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated and sits above weak, faceted snow near the ground.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Sunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be found in steep, lee terrain features on north and east facing slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2