Give the new storm snow time to settle out before venturing into steep terrain, as this represents a significant new load on the snowpack.
The Icefields Parkway may be closed for avalanche control on Friday Nov 14 from Parkers to Big Bend. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/
New windslabs will have formed in the storm and will sit on old windslabs from extreme winds earlier in the week. Beware of lee features and steep gullies.
New snow (30–50 cm) will form a slab that will remain triggerable by skiers/riders even after the storm has passed. Cooling temperatures may help reduce sensitivity to triggering, but that depends on how quickly the snowpack bonds to underlying layers. It's best to give the new snow time to settle.
No alpine observations were made on Nov 13 because of poor visibility, however a natural avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred in the storm Thursday into Friday.
Approximately 30 cm of new snow fell near the Icefields, with up to 50 cm in some areas. Strong winds redistributed new snow into wind slabs on lee features.
Prior to this storm, the alpine had been scoured by extreme winds, which deposited snow into gullies and sheltered areas, creating significant variability in snow depth. There is approximately 80-130cms of snow in the alpine, 80cms at treeline, and 60cm below treeline. Early season hazards exist just below the surface.
The storm that arrived Thursday is forcasted to bring up to 30 cm to the Parkway, with some high elevation areas receiving even more (possibly up to 50 cm), by Friday morning. Warm temperatures and strong winds accompanied the precipitation. The snow will ease off friday morning and temperatures will cool once again.
For updated forecasts go to Jasper National Park Forecast.
