Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Scattered flurries possible. Alpine temperature low of -9C. Light to moderate northwest winds.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny period. Alpine temperature high of -9C. Light westerly winds increasing to moderate along ridges. FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny period. Isolated flurries possible. Alpine temperatures reaching -5C. Light west winds. SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reaching -2C with a freezing level around 1800m. Light to moderate west wind

Very few avalanches were reported lately due to limited visibility which did not allow for great assessment and / or travel. Few small loose dry avalanches (natural and skiers triggers) were reported on steep alpine slopes around Crowsnest. With recent precipitation and wind, wind slabs are likely to be reactive on exposed terrain at treeline and alpine.

10-15 cm of new snow had fallen within the last storm and now sits over hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow in alpine terrain. A widespread sun/ temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes up to mountain tops. Last months cold temperatures have transformed most of the snowpack into weaker faceted snow with few if any distinct layers. In deep snowpack areas, it is possible to find a slab sitting above a layer of facets and surface hoar that was buried in mid-January and is 50-80 cm deep. The layer is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 m and 1900 m, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer.