Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 8th, 2025–Apr 9th, 2025

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

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, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies, Sugarbowl, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

Reactive wind slabs may exist at upper elevations, especially on north through east facing terrain.

Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or cracking beneath your feet.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a natural size 3 wet slab avalanche was reported. It was on a south-facing slope, and it's suspected that it occurred midday when the sun came out.

Developing wind slabs may exist with new snow and moderate southwest winds, especially on north aspects at treeline and above. They may be reactive to rider triggers.

Snowpack Summary

New snowfall of up to 20 cm exists at treeline and above. North aspects above 2200 m are holding dry snow. A surface crust has formed at and below treeline. However, this crust is likely to soften with daytime warming at lower elevations and extend into the alpine on slopes exposed to the sun.

Below this, a 5 to 25 cm crust from last week's rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.

A persistent weak layer from early March, 40 to 80 cm deep, most likely exists as surface hoar on sheltered north and east aspects in the alpine. Its distribution is variable, and there have been no substantial reports of recent avalanches, but it should still be considered when evaluating slopes.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level falling to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries up to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries. 40 to 75 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 gusting to 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.