Avalanche Forecast

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Skiers triggered a sz 1.5 slab on the Jan. 30 layer at treeline below Wapta Peak Friday and there has been significant evidence of mid-storm failures observed in this region over the last week.

There was a remotely triggered avalanche just southwest of our region that likely failed on the Jan. 30th layer on Wednesday.

Also nearby, Lake Louise reported triggering a couple of sz 1.5 slabs on the Jan 30 crust on E and SE aspects at TL and above Friday.

30-40 cm of snow from last weekend has been affected by the wind in exposed locations. This recent snow has buried a weak layer (dated January 30) which is starting to show signs of becoming active as slab properties develop. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.

Saturday evening W-SW winds are expected to diminish to light and shift NW as the Arctic ridge re-asserts itself further over the next few days. Overnight lows at treeline near -26C.

Cloud is still in the forecast for Sunday and the winds are to increase back to the moderate to strong range in the alpine as temperatures approach -17C for the high at treeline.

Clearing trend for Monday as the temperatures tick lower.

• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.