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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 16th, 2024–Apr 17th, 2024

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.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Purcells, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Crawford, East Purcell, Moyie, St. Mary, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Heightened avalanche conditions may exist in parts of the region that have more than 15 cm of new snow.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Many parts of the region will not receive enough new snow for avalanches, however, a variable wind and snowfall pattern may form localized wind slabs.

Snowpack Summary

A cold front crossing the south Purcells and Rockies is causing variable snowfall and wind-loading patterns. Expect anywhere from 0 to 20 cm of new snow above a widespread crust. The heaviest amounts as of Tuesday afternoon were north of Crowsnest Pass and Elkford, but more scattered flurries are expected on Tuesday night.

The upper snowpack consists of various melt-freeze layers. The lower snowpack contains old weak layers that are no longer a concern.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

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.