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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 24th, 2023–Feb 25th, 2023

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

Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Recent variable winds have affected the snowpack at all elevations. Watch for dense, cohesive slabs in all areas - especially fresh slabs forming from southwest winds.

Head to sheltered terrain at lower elevations for the best chance of finding good riding conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

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

Recently formed wind slabs likely remain reactive to human triggers while the strong winds continue.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow continues to be redistributed by variable winds, forming fresh wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.

A melt-freeze crust with facets above, sits 50 to 100 cm deep. This crust could be a sliding surface avalanche activity. We are monitoring this layer going forward as more snow accumulates it may become a persistent problem.

In general, we are not seeing the same basal weak layers that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly clear skies with no precipitation. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.

Saturday

Clear skies with moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing levels rise to 500 m. Alpine highs of -10 °C. Moderate to strong southwest winds continue.

Sunday

Cloudy with 3 cm of snow over the day. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m. Alpine high of -6 °C with moderate to strong southwest winds.

Monday

Cloudy with southwest winds easing to moderate. Alpine high of -9 °C. Freezing levels remain below 1000 m. Possible flurries over the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

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.