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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 5th, 2025–Feb 6th, 2025

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

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Elkford West.

Continue to choose mellow terrain and avoid areas where snow feels stiff or slabby. The recent snow will take time to bond.

Check out the Forecaster Blog "Keeping a Conservative Mindset"

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, west of Fernie, a few large (up to size 2.5) natural wind slab avalanches were reported on north and east aspects in the alpine.

On Monday, two natural, size 3, storm slab avalanches were observed, likely triggered by overnight winds. These avalanches occurred on exposed northeast alpine slopes.

Due to a weak layer of loose snow formed during the cold drought period, the recent storm snow may take more time than usual to bond to the rest of the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow totals range from 40 to 70 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. With the wind switching to the west, you may now find wind-affected snow on most aspects in exposed terrain.

The storm snow has bonded poorly to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. Ridgetop wind decreasing to light variable. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 15 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.