Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada MW, Avalanche Canada

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Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

15cm of new snow at Parkers Ridge has improved the ski quality on the Icefields Parkway. Keep in mind that our low snowpack means rocks, stumps, and other hazards may be hidden just below the surface.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Limited visibility on the Icefields Parkway Saturday. No new avalanches were observed at the tree line elevation today.

Please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of new snow has been redistributed by Moderate wind developing a soft wind slab in exposed terrain. Fresh Wind slab/snow sits over a previously wind-pressed layer that is supportive to ski's. The rest of the snowpack is weak and faceted with well-developed depth hoar at the base. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-75 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Ridge wind W: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom

Monday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h

Tuesday

Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

This storm arrived with variable wind direction so be on the lookout for reverse loading.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2024 4:00PM

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