The Icefields Parkway is closed due to elevated avalanche hazard until avalanche control and snow removal can be completed.
Check for updates on Alberta 511
It is best to avoid all avalanche terrain until this storm is over.
This avalanche problem is associated with a weak facet and crust layer, buried at the end of January, down approximately 60cm in sheltered areas.
Heavy precipitation and strong SW winds are forecasted for Saturday Night and Sunday.
Well developed facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snow pack are still producing large avalanches in our region.
Two large naturally occurring Deep Persistent Slabs were observed in the backcountry adjacent to the ski hill on March 7th.
Up to 10cm of new snow and strong westerly winds during the day on Saturday. The top 20-40cm of the snowpack is complex, with multiple crusts and facet layers depending on location. Within the upper 60 cm of the snowpack there are two more persistent weak layers of a similar structure. The bottom of the snowpack is generally weak facets and depth hoar.
Saturday Night
Periods of snow.
Accumulation: 18 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 65 km/h.
Sunday
Snow.
Accumulation: 20 cm.
Alpine temperature: High -4 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 65 km/h.
Monday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -9 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15-35 km/h.
