The Icefields Parkway will be closed for avalanche control from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan Crossing starting Saturday at 4 PM. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/.It is time to reel back from avalanche terrain while the snowpack is going through significant changes over the weekend.
These windslabs may be sitting on top of facets or the January 30th crust. Warming temperatures and incoming precipitation will make this avalanche problem more reactive.
Large depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
A few small loose point release avalanches observed on a field day around Parker Ridge on Thursday.
Warm temperatures are making the surface snow moist below 2000m and on south facing terrain. The Icefields is wind affected even into treeline. In sheltered areas there is roughly 15cm of snow overlying the January 30th layer which is a temperature crust or wind slab depending on the area. The midpack is weak and faceted. The bottom of the snowpack is comprised of large depth hoar.
Weather models are not in agreement on the forecast for precipitation, freezing levels, or wind speed. The snow accumulation for the weekend ranges from 15 to 60 mm, with the majority of precipitation expected to arrive Saturday night. Freezing levels may rise to 2000 m, with strong to extreme southwesterly winds. Be sure to check local telemetry stations before heading out to verify the forecast on the ground.
