Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Small loose avalanches remain a concern on steep terrain.
Shallow rocky areas should still be considered suspect.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Numerous wet loose avalanches occurred Tuesday and Wednesday on south aspects throughout the region, as conditions were clear and sunny.
Few natural dry loose avalanches (size 1) were released within the light snow from steep alpine terrain over the weekend.
A slab avalanche (size 1.5) was triggered by a snowmobiler near York Creek on Friday on a short but steep northerly slope below treeline.
If you have any observations from this data-sparse region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
The region has received 20-25 cm of recent snow since Saturday, which has settled quickly into moist snow at most elevations. This overlies a crust on solar aspects and faceted snow in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are also found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists near the surface.
A melt-freeze crust with facets above can be found 50 to 120 cm deep, but it has not produced any recent avalanche activity in the region.
The weak layer at the base of the snowpack produced some large avalanches, with strong sun and warm temperatures in the neighbouring region of Kananaskis. Professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it waking up in the South Rockies region.
Weather Summary
The region will be under a building ridge of high pressure, with calm and dry conditions until Friday, when a southwesterly flow will return.
Wednesday night
Mainly clear. Low alpine temperatures of -8 °C. Light easterly ridge wind gusting 30 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday
A mix of sun and clouds. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Light westerly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind gusting 40 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. Local amounts up to 5 cm. High alpine temperatures of -5 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind gusting 40 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1500 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Problems
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures may create wet loose avalanches on steep south-facing slopes. Keep in mind, that wet loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 30th, 2023 4:00PM
