Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Potentially weak buried surface hoar layer approximately 30cm down tree line and below in sheltered polar aspects should be carefully evaluated while in the avalanche terrain. Whumpfing and cracking have been observed on this layer of concern.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Field team in the Icefield area on Monday observed shooting cracks and whumpfing on surface hoar layer down 30 cm at tree line and below in sheltered East to Northerly aspects. Nov 27th MIN report confirms the presence of the same layer of concern in the Maligne region.Icefield Parkway and Maligne road patrol noted no new natural avalanche activity on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
25-35cm overlies a Surface hoar-Facet-crust combination layer depending on aspect and elevation. 6-10mm Surface hoar is found preserved in sheltered treeline locations. Height of snow ranges from 60 to 100cm.
Weather Summary
Monday night will be clear with cloudy periods, no new snow, -26 °C, and light winds. Tuesday conditions are a mix of sun and cloud, no new snow, -19 °C, and a light south wind. Wednesday
Wednesday is forecasted to bring flurries, maybe 6 cm of snow, -20 to -12 °C, and light south winds. Expect cold temperatures and no new snow Thursday and Friday.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Assess terrain carefully for unusual loading patterns as the region has seen strong winds coming from various directions during the period of the last storm. Reversed loading as well as usual loading patterns may occur.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Use caution in steep and/or confined terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2