Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Remain cautious if entering extreme and high-consequence terrain.
For the best riding conditions, seek out areas sheltered from wind-effect where snow remains soft.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several small, loose dry avalanches were reported on Sunday and Monday in various parts of the region. Otherwise, no recent slab avalanches have been reported.
Reports have been very limited, If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN post.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find extensive wind-effect in alpine and exposed treeline terrain, including hard old wind slabs and sastrugi. In wind-sheltered terrain, the upper snowpack remains generally soft and faceted, with new surface hoar growth reported in many areas. A hard melt-freeze crust from mid-January may exist approximately 50 to 100 cm deep, but is not considered a concern at this time. The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.