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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 15th, 2025–Apr 16th, 2025

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

Regions

Akamina, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East.

An upslope storm is bringing snow and wind to the south Rockies, likely forming fresh wind slabs at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

By Wednesday afternoon, up to 20 cm of new snow is possible, accompanied by strong northeast winds.

Around 10 cm of dry, soft snow from the weekend may linger on shady alpine slopes, while a thick melt-freeze crust dominates elsewhere. This crust may soften during the day and refreeze overnight.

There are no concerning layers in the middle or lower snowpack.

The snowpack is rapidly melting at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow above 2000 m. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level dropping from 2500 to 1800 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Friday

Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.