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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2025–Jan 24th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Wind slabs remain the primary concern. Cold temperatures will linger through the week.

Most alpine and treeline areas have been affected by wind.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control near Parkers on Friday Jan 17th produced slab avalanches up to size 2.5. These avalanches stepped down to the Deep Persistent layer.

A couple of wind slabs up to size two were observed on Sunwapta Peak and Nigel Peak on the 19th.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind affect in the TL and Alpine regions. Wind slabs sit on a very weak faceted mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack are the early season crusts, which are often surrounded by large depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at treeline. Valley bottom travel is difficult in the weak, loose facets.

Weather Summary

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.

Ridge wind west: 10-25 km/h.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -11 °C.

Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -15 °C, High -13 °C.

Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong to extreme winds have built windslabs in the alpine and treeline. Winds have been variable in direction so watch for reverse loading. The recent cold temperatures will preserve these windslabs for longer than usual. Avalanches may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist 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.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3