Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

CB, Avalanche Canada

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

Closures of the Icefields Parkway for avalanche control will take place on Monday, between the Parker Ridge and Pinto Lake trailheads. No backcountry access in this area is permitted, including the Weeping Wall area and Polar Circus.

See 511 Alberta for details.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Numerous Deep Persistent and Persistent slabs have been observed over the past few days throughout the region.

Snowpack Summary

Fluctuating freezing levels with intermittent solar radiation has formed surface crusts up to 2000m on most aspects, and higher on steep sun effected ones. Persistent weak layers formed in early January are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas, and have been reactive more recently where wind loaded. Well developed facets and depth hoar make up the bottom of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

It will continue to be unseasonably warm with strong winds for the next couple days. There is also potential for some light precipitation near the icefields, likely a mix of rain or snow depending on elevation.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.
Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Concern for human and natural triggering of this avalanche problem will increase as the temperatures rise over the next few days.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it. Watch for the warnings in the snowpack like shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Watch for this problem to become more significant as the temperatures rise, particularly in steep and rocky terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM