Take a moment to read about spring conditions ratings. Cool weather over the next few days will improve stability as snow surfaces re-freeze.
Fragile cornices are heavy and may collapse without warning, triggering subsequent slab avalanches. Avoid travel below cornices.
Cornices are large and fragile right now. Recent cornice failures have also been large enough to trigger slabs below. Keep an eye on your overhead hazards.
A persistent weak layer of facets is down 80–120 cm and may still be triggerable by humans in shallow areas, and by large loads like collapsing cornices or wet loose avalanches. This problem exists on all aspects, but has been most active on solar slopes.
Temperatures are trending cooler this week, but the sun remains powerful when it does break through. Pay close attention to the snow surface - avoid slopes that are becoming wet.
Cornices are ripe and fragile. On Monday, our field team observed a new cornice failure near Snowdome. Saturday's patrol along the Icefields and the Maligne range noted cornice failures of which some are triggering slabs on the slopes below.
A size 3 persistent slab was also observed this Friday on Sunwapta peak, occurring in the alpine and treeline on a West aspect.
A freeze-thaw cycle has occurred at all elevations on solar aspects. Dry or wind-affected surfaces persist on high north-facing alpine terrain. Below 2300m, multiple melt-freeze crusts are layered in the snowpack.
The January 24th layer is buried 80–120 cm deep and remains a lingering concern in the alpine. The lower snowpack is generally well consolidated in deeper areas, while shallow areas remain weaker and more faceted.
Tuesday
Cloudy skies and flurries starting Monday night will deposit up to 13cm in alpine areas. Freezing levels will descend to 1700m. Alpine high -4°C. Southwest winds will be 20km/h with gusts up to 50km/h.
WednesdayFreezing levels continue to descend to valley bottom. Expect an overnight low of -11°C with alpine temperatures reaching a high of -5°C. West winds will be light with gusts to 45km/h. Potential for convective weather.
ThursdayA mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries adding a trace of new snow. Low -13°C and warming to -5°C. Freezing level at valley bottom. Light Northwest wind.
