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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 19th, 2023–Apr 20th, 2023

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

Regions

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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the alpine where 20-40 cm of storm snow and northwesterly winds are building fresh storm slabs. Use caution in wind loaded areas where storm slabs are deeper, more cohesive, and are most likley to be reactive to human triggering.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a widespread natural dry loose avalanche cycle was observed, up to size 1.5. Avalanches primarily initiated in steep alpine terrain.

If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine and at treeline, 20-40 cm of storm snow is rapidly settling with daytime warming. Down 20-50 cm a thick melt freeze crust is found up to 2200 m.

The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong at treeline and above.

A weak layer of large, sugary crystals persists at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 cm accumulation. Light northwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1400 m. Treeline low around -6 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulations. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels 1800 m. Treeline high around -1 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulations. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise from valley bottom to 1900 m by mid-day. Treeline high 0 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulations. Moderate west ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise from valley bottom to 2100 m by mid-day. Treeline high +1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.