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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 21st, 2023–Feb 22nd, 2023

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

Regions

Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

25-35 cm of recent snow and northerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs that are sitting on hard surfaces. Reactive wind slabs may be found on aspects that are generally windward, so be on the lookout for wind slabs on most aspects in open terrain.

Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several explosive triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Tuesday.

Recently formed wind slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggers.

Snowpack Summary

25-35 cm of recent snow and northerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs that are sitting on hard surfaces. Reactive wind slabs may be found on aspects that are generally windward, so be on the lookout for wind slabs on all aspects in open terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is well-settled. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack but have not yet created a major avalanche problem, unlike some of the neighboring regions. However, we continue to track this layer and may see a problem develop as more snow accumulates and slab formation continues above it.

The average snowpack depth is around 150 cm while up to 250 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light, east ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -30 C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy / Light, east ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -25 C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, east ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -26 C.

Friday

Sunny / Strong, west ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -17 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

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.