Avalanche forecast

Crowsnest North

Dec 17 – 18, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avoid avalanche terrain.
Heavy snowfall and wind have likely built dangerous storm slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A crust buried deep in the snowpack has proven reactive to large loads, particularly in steep, exposed terrain.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Intense snowfall and strong wind is expected to build storm slabs overnight and into the day.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of snow has been blown around by strong winds and sits on a widespread melt–freeze crust, which is likely everywhere except high-alpine terrain.

A mid-November crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. Beneath it, the snowpack contains several additional crusts, and in some locations, a weak, sugary facet layer near the ground.

At treeline, snow depths range from roughly 50 to 100 cm, tapering off quickly at lower elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported this week. However, information is limited.
It's expected that natural avalanches will occur on Wednesday following the intense storm.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 25 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.

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