Strong winds at upper elevations may have created pockets of wind slab that a person could trigger.
Assess steep slopes for dense or stiff snow before committing.
Strong ridgetop wind may build fresh and reactive wind slabs, especially on terrain features at upper elevations, and behind ribs, gullies, and other terrain breaks.
Strong winds and blowing snow may have formed new wind slabs at treeline and above. The upper snowpack is variable, with wind-affected surface snow in open terrain and softer snow in sheltered areas. This overlies a crust that formed in early November. The lower snowpack consists of multiple crusts, and in some areas a layer of weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground.
Total snowpack depths are roughly 60 to 80 cm, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
In many areas, especially below treeline, there is not enough snow to smooth out surface roughness or reach the threshold needed for avalanches.
No new avalanches reported.
This MIN from the Highwood area in near by Kananaskis region, describes the similar conditions found in the Crowsnest region.
Cloudy with new snow 3 to 8 cm. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Mostly cloudy with light flurries. 40 to 50 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Mostly sunny. 30 to 55 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 60 to 80 km/h west ridgetopCrow N/S wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
