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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2023–Feb 16th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Some areas in the southern parts of the region received up to 20cm of new snow on Tuesday. Winds will deposit this fluffy, new snow into wind slabs pretty quickly in lee areas. Continue to be suspicious of old, firm wind slabs especially in high consequence terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new slab avalanches have been reported from the area in the last 72hrs. However, the area did receive 20 cm of fresh snow in some places and Dry Loose avalanches to size 1+ were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

10-25cm of new, low density powder (the higher amounts are in southern areas) overlies extensive wind effect in the alpine and at tree line. Wind slabs of various ages in lee areas (typically easterly aspects) and scouring in windward areas. A melt-freeze crust can be found below 2100 m. It may be on the surface on windward slopes and buried 30 to 60 cm deep in lee terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack.

The average snowpack depth is 130 cm. Up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Mostly clear. Wind from the southwest at 40 km/h. Alpine temperature -10ËšC.

Thursday

Clear. Wind from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h at higher elevations. Temperature -8ËšC in the morning rising to -4ËšC in the afternoon.

Friday

Clouds returning. Flurries delivering 2-4 cm. Winds from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Temperature -7ËšC.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. Flurries delivering 2-4 cm. Winds from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Temperature -5ËšC.

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.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 15cm of low density snow fell in some areas on Monday night. Because this snow is so fluffy, southwesterly winds will blow it into wind slabs on lee aspects fairly quickly.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

In steep and confined terrain be aware that loose snow avalanches can get kind of pushy. Sluff management could be necessary.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2