Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 16th, 2025–Dec 17th, 2025

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

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

A widespread natural avalanche cycle will continue after this recent storm brought 60-80 cm to the Parker's area. Very conservative terrain selection is necessary in the days following this storm, with more snow and wind expected throughout the week.

Highway 93 is expected to reopen Wednesday, Dec 17th. Check 511 for updates.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

In the Parker's area there has been a widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3. Avalanche control from December 16th produced numerous size 1.5 to 2.5 wind slab and persistent slab avalanches. Natural activity is expected to continue with additional snow and wind throughout the week.

Snowpack Summary

Saturday to Tuesday's storm brought 60-80 cm of snow to the Parker's area along with strong to extreme winds which have loaded lee features. This brings the height of snow up to 160-170 cm in wind protected areas for this zone. Snow depth is up to 80 cm in the Maligne area. Weaker facet layers are now buried deeper in the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Up to 12 mm is expected for Wednesday morning with 25 km/h winds gusting to 70 km/h. Temps will drop to -10 °C in the afternoon. Another 10-15 mm is forecasted for Thursday and Friday.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.