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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 1st, 2025–Jan 2nd, 2025

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

Regions

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

Plan to maintain a high level of awareness, carefully observing and continuously assessing conditions as you navigate the terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few loose dry avalanches out of steep alpine and treeline terrain were observed in the Elk Valley on Tuesday.

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

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow accumulations vary across the region from 10 to 20 cm. The previous SW wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations in the east part of the region, while the surface snow is mostly unconsolidated in the west part of the region.

See the conditions from north of Sparwood here.

At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Overcast with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries 1 cm. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

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.