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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 24th, 2022–Feb 25th, 2022

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

Regions

South Rockies.

The best riding and lowest hazard is in areas that haven't been wind affected.

Watch for pockets of wind slab on various aspects as you transition into exposed terrain around ridgelines.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Few clouds, light to moderate northwest winds. Alpine low of -20.

FRIDAY: Sunny with a few clouds, light to moderate westerly winds, increasing in the late afternoon. Alpine highs of -10.

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine high of -5.

SUNDAY: Increasing cloud in the afternoon. Moderate southwest wind, could reach extreme in the high alpine.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday the field team saw no new avalanches in the Crowsnest area. On Wednesday there were some small isolated wind slabs reported from reverse loaded features on the Alberta side of the region. On Tuesday the field team reported evidence of a natural wind-driven avalanche cycle (likely from Monday), with avalanches in the size 1-2 range in the northern Elk Valley. 

Snowpack Summary

The 10-30 cm of most recent snow has been redistributed by wind from various directions over the last week and formed some wind slabs in unusual places. This latest load sits over old firm wind-affected snow in open areas and hard sun crusts on solar aspects.

The snowpack below is generally well consolidated, with a crust/facet layer found near the bottom of the snowpack. It is currently considered dormant but could become active later this season. Check out the forecaster blog for more information. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.

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.