Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 4 – 5, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Unsettled, spring weather can deliver localized periods of intense sun or heavy snowfall, which can temporarily increase the avalanche hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind and storm slabs may remain reactive in areas that received more recent snow and/or wind.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4

    The base of the snowpack remains weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow overlays variable old surfaces, including a hard crust on solar aspects and lower elevations. Wind slabs may persist in exposed, alpine, lee terrain.

The mid snowpack holds several persistent weak layers including layers of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain and old crusts on south-facing slopes. No recent activity has occurred on these layers.

The lower snowpack is made up of a widespread layer of large, weak basal facets and depth hoar in areas. Neighboring Kananaskis Country reports continued avalanche activity on this layer. Avoid thin and rocky areas where this weak layer is more likely to trigger.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Mostly clear, with cloudy periods and scattered flurries. Light west ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -2 to -7 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

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.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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