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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2023–Feb 17th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Wind slabs. New ones will be softer and easier to trigger and old ones will be firmer and harder to trigger but could still deliver a surprise. Seek out sheltered terrain to avoid the problem and for better riding opportunities.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No large avalanches have been reported from the area in a number of days. However, there are reports of a number of size 1 wind slabs that resulted from small explosives, ski cuts, or natural triggers. Some of these avalanches occurred in terrain features where even a small avalanche could have high consequences.

Snowpack Summary

The wind has once again blown the powder into wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. So there is multiple generations of wind slab from over a week old to newly formed on most wind exposed aspects. Sheltered areas at treeline and below still have preserved powder.

The middle of the snowpack is firm and well 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

Thursday night

Mostly clear with increasing clouds. Flurries possible delivering a few centimeters of snow. Wind from the southwest 30 km/h gusting 50 km/h. Temperature -8˚C.

Friday

Increasing cloudiness into the afternoon. 5 cm of new snow. Wind from the southwest 15 - 30 km/h. Temperature -5˚C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 2 - 4 cm of new snow. Wind variable at 20 km/h. Temperature -4˚C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Wind from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h. Temperature -7˚C to -4˚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.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.