Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 22nd, 2023–Feb 23rd, 2023

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

Regions

Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South.

Carefully assess for firm, cohesive wind slabs in exposed terrain on all aspects.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several explosive triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Tuesday.

Recently formed wind slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggers.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 30 to 40 cm of recent snow and moderate variable winds have formed fresh wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is well-settled. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack but have not yet created a major avalanche problem, unlike some of the neighboring regions. However, we continue to track this layer and may see a problem develop as more snow accumulates and slab formation continues above it.

The average snowpack depth is around 150 cm while up to 250 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Cloudy with clear periods and chance of flurries / Light to moderate northeast winds / Treeline temperatures -25 to -30 C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate northeast ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -25 to -30 C.

Friday

Sunny / Light southwest ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -15 to -25 C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny / Moderate southwest ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -10 to -20 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

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.