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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 28th, 2024–Dec 29th, 2024

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

Regions

South Rockies, Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Be alert as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Wind slabs may be reactive to riders.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days, but observations are limited.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. Strong to extreme wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at the treeline and above. Wind slabs may have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

A melt-freeze crust and facets layer exist in the upper snowpack, particularly in south-facing terrain. Recent scouring wind may have left the crust exposed on the surface in some areas.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

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.