Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw.
Adopt a conservative approach, while the reactivity and depth of problematic surface hoar layers vary across the region.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region, however there are currently very few field observations.
Last weekend, there were a few reports of natural and skier-triggered avalanches, likely sliding on a layer of buried surface hoar; mostly at treeline and up to size 2.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, south alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, southwest alpine winds 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried surface hoar is of greatest concern around treeline elevations, in areas where a supportive crust doesn't exist above it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3