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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 26th, 2023–Dec 27th, 2023

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

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

As strong winds redistribute available snow watch for fresh wind slabs building on lee alpine features.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a natural, size 1, dry loose avalanche was reported on a northeast aspect at treeline. There was no other avalanche activity reported in the region on Monday.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of recent snow and strong west wind formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.

There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.

The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 50 km/h northwest alpine wind ease to 20 km/h from the southwest, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, southwest alpine wind increase to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C. An above freezing layer may develop from 2500m to 3000 m.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace amounts of snow, west alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace amounts of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C. An above freezing layer may develop from 1500m to 3000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

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.