The Parker's area has seen extreme winds and 70-100 cm of snowfall since Sunday. Very conservative terrain selection and careful evaluation of the snowpack is necessary following this major storm event.
Highway 93 remains closed as of Wednesday, Dec 17th. Check 511 for updates.
Winds have been in the extreme values and have considerably loaded lee features from a variety of directions. Local terrain influences and changing wind directions may load non-typical locations.
Weaker facet layers are now buried deep within the snowpack.
Wednesday's 20 cm arrived with cooler temperatures and sits above the significant accumulation of Tuesday's storm.
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.
The storm from Sunday to Tuesday brought 60-80 cm of snow to the Parker's area along with strong to extreme winds, which has significantly loaded lee features. Wednesday brought an additional 10-20 cm. This brings the height of snow up to 140-180 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 deep within the snowpack.
Thursday will bring more snow, up to 15 cm, and day time temperatures getting up to -12 °C in the Parkers area. Winds are expected to decrease to 20-40 km/h out of the SW.
