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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 30th, 2024–Dec 31st, 2024

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

Regions

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

Local recent snow accumulations vary across the region.

Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days, but observations are limited.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow accumulations vary across the region. Up to 20 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. Previous strong wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at the treeline and above. Wind slabs may have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

The upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain. Recent scouring wind may have exposed the crust in some areas.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h norhtwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

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.