Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
Moderate SW winds continue to hammer through open alpine, and treeline terrain building windslabs and huge cornices throughout the whole region.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Two systems are expected to move through BC over the next two days. As the second low pressure system reaches BC-AB border, light snow with moderate to strong westerly winds expected. Isolated areas on the Icefields Parkway may receive up to 10 cm new snow overnight and continuing through the day Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Previous storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. New wind slabs forming on lee aspects. The Columbia Icefields region has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern part of the forecast region has a generally shallower snow pack that is less bridged.
Avalanche Summary
Road patrol conducted on Maligne Road today. No new avalanches were observed or reported.
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Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with varied reactivity. Ridge tops and immediate lee features pose the most obvious hazard to triggering but anywhere with visible wind effect can pose a threat.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Skier triggering could occur in shallow snowpack areas or from large load. The consequences of triggering would be severe! Caution traveling, skiing and climbing in run out zones as avalanche have the potential to run full path
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2020 4:00PM
