Avalanche Forecast

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Sunday night: Increasing cloud. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday: Scattered flurries bringing trace. Strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday: 5-10 cm new snow. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1300 m.

Wednesday: 5-10 cm new snow. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1300 m.

No new avalanches observed since Wednesday, when a few small loose wet avalanches and wind slabs were observed on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.

Last Monday, a large avalanche was remotely triggered near Fernie, as described in this MIN. The avalanche released on the faceted grains above the melt-freeze crust described in the Snowpack Summary. 

If you decide to travel in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN) to supplement our data stream as operators are shutting down. Even just a photo of what the day looked like would be helpful.

A dusting of new snow sits over melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects and at lower elevations, and extensively wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain that did not see the sun.

A layer of faceted grains overly a melt-freeze crust from early February. This layer currently sits 30 to 60 cm below the surface and has been the culprit of previous avalanche activity near Fernie.

The middle of the snowpack is generally strong, but the base of the snowpack may contain a weak layer of faceted grains that are most prominent in shallow rocky start zones with a snowpack depth of 150 cm or less.

• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Large cornice falls are dangerous on their own.
• Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.