Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
Incoming snow and strong winds will likely raise the avalanche hazard throughout the day on Sunday. Watch for changing conditions, and avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar up to 10mm, and a thin sun crust on south and west aspects, are now buried by up to 5cm of snow in sheltered areas. Strong winds continue to hammer exposed areas at tree line and above. The snowpack is generally between 25-45cm of snow sitting over a faceted base.
Weather Summary
A frontal system moving across the region on Sunday will bring 2-5cm of snow and strong SW winds at ridge top.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The snow pack is very weak and faceted, particularly near the ground. We expect this problem to "wake up" and become more active as the load from the forecast snow and wind increases.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Forecast strong winds and snow could lead to the development of reactive wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. These small avalanches also have to potential to initiate a deep persistent slab, and create a larger avalanche.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5