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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2024–Jan 1st, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Snow conditions vary greatly across the region.

Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few loose dry avalanches out of steep alpine and treeline terrain were observed in the Elk Valley on Tuesday.

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. 10-20 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. The previous wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations in the east part of the region, while the surface snow is mostly unconsolidated in the west part of the region.

See the conditions from north of Sparwood here.

At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

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

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind will transport fresh snow to create new wind slabs in immediate lee areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2