Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.
Give cornices a wide margin when travelling beneath them and when on ridgelines. Avalanches are unlikely where there is a thick surface crust.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any recent reports of avalanches.
If you head to the backcountry this weekend, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 cm of snow from the weekend may remain dry and soft on northerly alpine slopes. Elsewhere, a hard and thick melt-freeze crust prevails. The crust may soften with daytime warming and re-freeze overnight.
There are no layers of concern in the middle and lower snowpack.
The snowpack is rapidly melting at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices along ridgelines are very large and looming. They weaken with progressive warming and could fail at any time.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3