Recent snow and wind have built wind slabs and continue to add load to a persistent weak layer which has produced many large avalanches along the Icefields Parkway over the weekend.
Avoid wind loaded slopes and stay clear of overhead avalanche terrain.
New snow accompanied by strong winds has formed reactive wind slabs. Use caution, as wind loading has extended much lower on slopes than expected
New snow and strong winds have built a cohesive slab over this problematic layer. Avalanche control on Friday produced failures on this layer up to size 3 and a natural cycle up to size 3.5 has continued through the weekend.
A large avalanche cycle continues along the Icefields Parkway.
Many natural avalanches up to size 3.5 have been observed since Feb 27 and forecasters have noticed significant cornice growth over the weekend.
Avalanche control at Parker Ridge Feb 27 produced several persistent slab results up to size 3, with the majority of loading occurring much lower on the slopes.
A group of skiers had an avalanche near-miss at Hilda on Saturday, see the MIN.
Up to 40 cm of new snow received this week (with the higher amounts around the Columbia Icefields) is being redistributed by strong winds. This has added load to a late January weak layer of facets and spotty surface hoar buried 40–60 cm deep, forming a persistent slab. The mid-pack is generally dense and well consolidated, with basal facets present in thinner snowpack areas.
Monday
A broad area of low pressure is moving across northern BC and will bring a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Temperatures will rise, with an alpine high of -1 °C and freezing levels at 2000m. Expect mostly light West winds with gusts to 45 km/h.
TuesdayA mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -3 °C, High -1 °C.
Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h.
Freezing level: 2000 metres.
WednesdayA mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High -2 °C.
Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 30 km/h.
Freezing level: 1900 metres.
