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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2023–Feb 12th, 2023
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
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

Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Pay attention to the direction of the wind as you travel through wind exposed areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has been limited to small (size 1 to 1.5) wind slabs avalanches since the storm on Wednesday. On Wednesday, there was one explosive controlled size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche at treeline. It failed on a 50 cm deep layer of facets sitting on a crust that formed mid-January.

As the wind continues to blow in the coming days, wind slab avalanches will be the main concern.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of snow from earlier this week has now been redistributed by predominantly west and southwest winds. This likely sits on previously formed wind slabs. A melt-freeze crust can be found below 2100 m. It may be on the surface on windward slopes and buried 35 to 60 cm 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

Saturday night

Mostly clear skies, no precipitation, 40 to 60 km/h west wind, treeline temperatures drop to -10 ºC.

Sunday

Sunny periods in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, no precipitation, 50 to 70 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures to -5 °C with freezing level climbing to 1500 m.

Monday

Flurries with 5 cm of new snow, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures to -4 °C with freezing level climbing to 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, 30 km/h north wind, treeline temperature drops to -10 °C.

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.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow and moderate winds have built new wind slabs over older wind slabs. Expect these slabs to be most reactive in leeward terrain like ridgetops and cross-loaded features, and where a firm bed surface exists.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2