Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Kakwa, Tumbler.
Wind slabs may be found on all aspects in the alpine and on open slopes at treeline.
Lower elevations have a shallow snowpack
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday in the Bullmoose area; small windslabs of varying ages (some fresh and some old and hard) were reported. See photos here.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Another 10-15 cm of snow fell over the weekend making 20-30 cm of recent soft snow on the surface. In places it is heavily wind affected and sits above a variety of old snow surfaces including wind-scoured snow and faceted snow. At treeline and below, the recent snow sits on a widespread crust and pockets of surface hoar.
The snowpack is shallow and faceted with multiple crusts. Pockets of deeper snow may be found near ridges, gully features, and established avalanche paths. Average snowpack depths at treeline are between 60 and 100 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C, with an above freezing layer from 1300-1500 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud, southwest alpine wind 40-50 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, with an above freezing layer from 1000-1400 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud, southwest alpine wind 30-60 km/h, treeline temperature 1 °C, with an above freezing layer from 1000-1500 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with flurries, west alpine wind 30-50 km/h, treeline temperature 1 °C, with an above freezing layer from 500-1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
20- 30 cm of soft snow on the surface has been wind affected by predominantly southwest winds. The alpine likely has a more complex pattern of wind affect, and wind slabs may be found on all aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2