Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 29th, 2023–Dec 30th, 2023

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

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Warming temperatures and sunshine are likely to increase sensitivity of new wind slabs.

Before venturing into steeper terrain, carefully evaluate for the presence of wind slabs.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

On the Alberta side of the forecast region, a strong south east winds has stripped upper alpine terrain and transport any remaining snow to lee aspect terrain creating wind slabs. Depths of wind slabs is estimated between 10-30 cm. Previously, surface snow was redistributed by strong west winds, creating various wind-affected snow surfaces at higher elevations.

There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.

The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below 1500 meters elevation.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy, with no precipitation. South alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C with above freezing temperatures in the alpine.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, light snow flurries 1-5 cm. Southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy light snow flurries 1-5 cm. Southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

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.