Avalanche Forecast

Numerous natural avalanches were observed during the heat of the day on Tuesday in the Icefields area, including loose wet and wet slab avalanches up to size 3. Most initiated in steep treeline and low alpine terrain, occurring both in the mid-pack & at the ground depending on how isothermal the snowpack was.

A cooling trend this week will see natural activity taper off, but the sun is strong at this time of year & even short glimpses of sun could see a spike in reactivity.

Melt-freeze crusts or daytime moist surface snow exists on all aspects except North alpine, with many treeline and below areas in some state of transition toward isothermal. The high alpine is still holding on to a winter snowpack on NW to NE aspects with the Jan 24th PWL down 80 to 120cm.

Overall trend is a stable, cold pattern with light winds, occasional flurries, and no significant warming. Winds ease slightly by Saturday.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine high -8 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -13 °C, High -8 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -7 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 25 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.