Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
Sunny skies and a generally stable snowpack make it a good time to explore more complex terrain.
Maintain good travel habits, especially on high-consequence slopes.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, near Fernie, a few small (up to size 1) rider-triggered avalanches were reported.
With the current weather forecast and snowpack conditions, natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely.
If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind-effect can be found in many open, upper-elevation areas, especially east of the Continental Divide. In some places, the wind has stripped slopes back to the ground. Soft snow and good riding can be found in shady, sheltered areas.
New surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas. On slopes facing the sun, thin wind slabs may cover a sun crust.
The mid and lower snowpack is strong and bonded, with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths average 150 to 200 cm in the Lizard and Flathead areas, and around 60 to 100 cm elsewhere.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Possible above-freezing layer above 2500 m. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. An above-freezing layer above 2500 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. An above-freezing layer above 2500 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.