Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Tumbler.
Check out our Forecasters' Blog about factoring extreme cold into your trip plans. Small problems can spiral out of control quickly in these conditions.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new or recent avalanches have been reported, however there are very few field observations coming from this forecast area.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Around 15 cm of new snow fell in the region early in the week. It added to an existing skiff of snow atop a widespread crust that exists up to 1400 m. South and west-facing alpine slopes are generally scoured but may see some wind transporting snow onto them with the northerly winds. The snowpack is generally shallow with multiple crusts. Pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow may be found near ridges, gully features, and established avalanche paths.
Average snowpack depths at treeline vary between 20 to 80 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Cloudy with no new snow, southwesterly 5-15 km/h, treeline temperature low of -33°C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny with no new snow, northeasterly winds 5-10 km/h, treeline temperature high of -24°C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud, with no new snow, northeasterly winds 5-10 km/h, treeline temperature high of -23°C.
Monday
Cloudy, with no new snow, southwesterly winds 20-30 km/h, treeline temperature high of -12°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
- Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Avalanches are possible in isolated terrain features like gullies and alpine bowls where deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow exist.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5