Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain; natural avalanches may occur
Conditions will change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
Warm temps, wind & snow or rain will stress the snowpack
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Small natural and rider triggered avalanches were noted in the MIN on Sunday, we expect natural activity has occurred with rapid wind loading and warm temperatures - these slabs will likely remain sensitive to human triggers.
Early season observations are limited. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions likely vary from heavily wind affected snow at higher elevations, to settling storm snow in sheltered areas. Storm totals from the week reached 60-150 cm across the region. Warm temperatures have likely begun to affect the surface snow, potentially creating an overnight crust or moist snow during the day.
A crust from early November may be found in the mid to lower snowpack, with surface hoar and/or facets. The distribution and reactivity of this layer are not well understood. It is uncertain whether avalanches are failing on this layer.
Below the snowpack consists of melt freeze crusts, facets, and depth hoar in some areas. At treeline, snowpack depth ranges from 100 to 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of snow at higher elevations. 70+ km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures remain around 0 °C with an above freezing layer.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow at upper elevations, and wet snow or rain and low elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures remain around 0 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow at upper elevations, and wet snow or rain and low elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures may reach +2 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures remain around 0 °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.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Heavy snowfall over the week has formed a storm slab at all elevations - warm temperatures and rain or wet snow will extend reactivity. Steer clear of exposure to steep slopes and rollovers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Strong winds are expected to build deep and reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and terrain rollovers Mild temperatures will help the cohesion of these slabs, and increase reactivity.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5