Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Don't be lured into committing to a line by the new snow. Investigate the snowpack before skiing. Ice climbers watch for loose dry avalanches off steep rocky terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed along the Icefields Parkway on a road patrol on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of snow fell on Wednesday at the Parker Ridge Area. The 7mm Surface Hoar that formed last week is likely flattened by winds but assume it could be preserved under new snow in sheltered locations. The mid and lower snow pack has multiple layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain, melt freeze crusts and facets.
Weather Summary
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -7 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C, High -6 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.
Freezing level: 1600 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong winds have created new wind slabs. Avoid wind loaded large unsupported terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Ice climbers watch out for loose dry avalanches off steep rocky terrain. Even small avalanches in the wrong spot can have serious consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2024 4:00PM
