Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Pine Pass, Tumbler.
Wind slabs remain a concern. Be cautious in wind-exposed terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
2 large wind slab avalanches were reported on southwest aspects, in the alpine, from reverse-loading on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
The region has received up to 20 cm of new snow since Thursday. Strong easterly winds have reverse-loaded exposed terrain. The new snow likely overlies a layer of facets and, in sheltered locations, surface hoar. These snow crystals don't bond well with new snow and may contribute to the avalanche problem persisting.
A widespread crust with facets and/or surface hoar, buried in mid-January, is approximately 50 to 90 cm below the surface.
The lower snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Weather Summary
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -30 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -30 °C.
Tuesday
Scattered cloud. 30 to 60 km/h east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
Wednesday
Few clouds. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are becoming harder to trigger, but remain a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3