Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Continuously assess and verify conditions as you move through the mountains
Recent snowfall amounts are highly variable, we have uncertainty in both the size and likelihood of avalanches
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a small natural wind slab avalanche was observed in the PK backcountry, check out this detailed MIN for more info.
Snowpack Summary
New snowfall amounts in the region are highly variable, By Monday morning 10 to 40 cm may have fallen with moderate southwest winds, forming deeper deposits on north and east aspects. This new snow will overlie a crust on all aspects and elevations except higher north facing slopes.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets from mid February is found 30 to 80 cm down in many areas. A second weak layer buried 60 to 120 cm from late January consists of surface hoar, facets, and/or a hard crust.
The lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.
Check out this great MIN from Hasler, where recent snowfall amounts were on the lesser side.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mix of cloud and clear skies with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C, potential for inversion with colder temps below treeline.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will likely remain rider triggerable. Assess new snow amounts, the more you find the larger and more sensitive slabs will be.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers persist within the upper 90 cm of the snowpack. Avoid shallow areas where triggering these layers is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3