Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday skier-triggering and explosive control work initiated several size 1 to 1.5 storm and wind slab avalanches. Numerous size 1 wet loose avalanches occurred on steep solar slopes.
Data is limited in this region. Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
New snow accumulates on a robust crust or moist snow at all elevations except high north-facing.
A second crust in the upper snowpack is down 20 to 40 cm, depending on aspect and elevation.
Weak faceted grains sitting on a crust formed in early February are now buried 100 to 180 cm. This layer has generally been gaining strength and is unlikely to be human-triggered in areas where a supportive crust is present above it.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with flurries, trace to 5 cm of accumulation. Southwest ridgetop wind 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -4° C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, trace to 5 cm accumulation. Southwest ridgetop winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly Sunny. West ridgetop winds 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature reaches a high of 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 2100 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest ridgetop winds 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +1 °C. Freezing level rises to 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and southwest winds may form fresh, reactive wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5