Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Rockies.
Keep an eye on the extend of wind transport throughout the day. Shallow but touchy wind slabs will likely build as a result of increasing west winds on Wednesday.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Winds will be generally moderate from the north in the north and light from the north in the south. Some light flurries are expected. Low of -28 at 1500m.
Wednesday: westerly winds will build throughout the day with light snow accumulating up to 10cm. High of -18 at 1500m.
Thursday: winds returning to northerly with flurries in the morning. High of -20 at 1500m.
Friday: Light winds with the possibility of flurries. High of -20 at 1500m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in the region in the last few days. We suspect that some small natural wind slab avalanches will occur on Wednesday afternoon.
Snowpack Summary
Westerly winds throughout the day on Wednesday could form new wind slabs on east aspects.Â
A surface hoar layer up to size 4 was buried last week, it is not yet a problem.
Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 100-250 cm, with the shallower value mainly on the eastern side of the range and the deepest snowpack around Renshaw.
Terrain and Travel
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.
- Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Westerly winds could create new wind slabs on east aspects. These new slabs will form over wind effected and faceted surfaces and likely won't bond well. These slabs could be touchy but limited in size. Strong winds could mean that wind slab is found lower down the slope then expected.
Old wind slab can still be found on west aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5