A widespread natural avalanche cycle will continue after this recent storm brought 60-80 cm to the Parker's area. Very conservative terrain selection is necessary in the days following this storm, with more snow and wind expected throughout the week.
Highway 93 is expected to reopen Wednesday, Dec 17th. Check 511 for updates.
Winds have been in the extreme values and have considerably loaded lee features. Local terrain influences and changing wind directions may load non-typical locations.
Weaker facet layers are now buried deep within the snowpack.
The storm from Saturday to Tuesday resulted in 60-80 cm of snow. Expect many slopes to be primed or overloaded resulting in high potential for natural and human triggered activity.
Saturday to Tuesday's storm brought 60-80 cm of snow to the Parker's area along with strong to extreme winds which have loaded lee features. This brings the height of snow up to 160-170 cm in wind protected areas for this zone. Snow depth is up to 80 cm in the Maligne area. Weaker facet layers are now buried deeper in the snowpack.
Up to 12 mm is expected for Wednesday morning with 25 km/h winds gusting to 70 km/h. Temps will drop to -10 °C in the afternoon. Another 10-15 mm is forecasted for Thursday and Friday.
In the Parker's area there has been a widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3. Avalanche control from December 16th produced numerous size 1.5 to 2.5 wind slab and persistent slab avalanches. Natural activity is expected to continue with additional snow and wind throughout the week.
