Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.
730 am update: Carefully assess exposed slopes for wind slab. New snow overnight means wind slabs will be fresh and likely reactive. Strong winds mean that wind slabs could be found further down slope than expected.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday ski cutting produced small wind slabs. No other significant avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week . At higher elevations this sits over extremely wind affected surfaces including large sastrugi. Many alpine areas may not hold new snow and instead be stripped back to hard surfaces.
A melt-freeze crust with facets above, sits 50 to 100 cm deep. This crust could be a good sliding surface for avalanche activity but has shown limited reactivity so far. We are monitoring this layer going forward as it may become a persistent problem.
The mid to lower snowpack is considered well bonded at this point. Currently we are not seeing the same basal weak layers and reactivity that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy with a few centimeters of new snow expected. Moderate to strong westerly winds and a low of -11°C at 2000 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with a few centimeters of new snow possible. Moderate to strong westerly winds and a high of -8°C at 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light to moderate westerly winds and a high of -8°C at 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5cm of new snow expected. Moderate southeast winds and a high of -13°C at 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Southwest and west winds have formed wind slabs on north and east facing slopes. Other aspects are likely scoured or cross loaded. Wind slab could be found on all exposed terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
