Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
The snow pack needs time to adjust to the new load it just received.
Keep your terrain choices conservative, and avoid large overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several size 3 natural avalanches out of alpine features have been observed in the last few days.
Avalanche control with explosives on Wednesday resulted in numerous avalanches with several of them being size 3 running to the bottom of the avalanche paths.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Snowpack Summary
Another 5-10cm has fallen on the 20 to 30cm of snow that fell over the last few days. Strong south west winds continue to redistribute all this snow, and have created thick wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree line. Generally, the mid and bottom of the snowpack is weak facets with depth hoar at the base.
Weather Summary
A short break in the weather on Saturday before precipitation, rising temperatures, and very strong winds arrive on Sunday.
Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Recent avalanche control had several large avalanche stepping down to this layer. The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Wind Slabs
Strong SW winds continue to move all the new snow that fell over the last few days, forming wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2