Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields, Jasper.
An avalanche cycle is happening with new storm snow overlaying a generally weak faceted snowpack. Make conservative decisions until the new snow has had time to settle and stabilize.
Good skiing is out there but the threat of early season hazards is real and just below the surface. Read a recent report from Parkers here.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous storm slab avalanches released during Tuesday's storm, failing on the Dec 2 surface hoar, facet and melt-freeze crust layer.
More information on a size 1.5 near Parkers ridge behind Hilda hostel can be found here (Here).
Snowpack Summary
30cm of new snow redistributed by strong winds has formed windslabs and storm slabs. This overlies a weak surface hoar and facet layer or a melt-freeze crust on south and west aspects. The snowpack is 35-45cm in depth with a weak base.
A rain crust exists below 1800m.
Weather Summary
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods and light ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature: High -8 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Storms slabs have been reactive at all elevations.
- Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Slab is stiffer and deeper where wind loaded and is failing on the Dec 2 surface hoar, facet and melt-freeze crust layer. Beware of anywhere the wind has transported snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
The snow pack is already very weak at the bottom and the new snow is adding to its stress.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5