Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Darren Vonk,
Parks Canada
Stay out of avalanche terrain!
Maligne lake road will be closed January 30th at 1800, and Ice fields parkway (93N) will be closed January31st @ noon until February 3rd for avalanche control.
511.alberta.ca/ for updates
Summary
Weather Forecast
Friday: Flurries up to 38cm accompanied by Strong to Extreme SW winds Freezing levels to rise to 1700M
Saturday: Heavy snow. 38cm with Strong to Extreme SW winds Freezing levels at 1700M
Sunday: Clearing trend with temperatures dropping to the -20 range
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Today's extreme winds have created wind slab (Soft to hard) tree line and above. Most fetches are stripped. This overlies a weakening mid-pack comprised of varied facet forms. This provides some questionable bridging over the basal facets and DH.
HS average at TL: ~145cm
Avalanche Summary
A road patrol down Ice fields parkway today noted a few Size 1 loose dry avalanches out of steep rocky terrain.
A Sz 2 wind slab avalanche was also observed off Mt Hardisty NW alpine face
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
A strong warm storm is expected to deliver upwards of 80cm of snow in the next 36 hours.
- It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering large features.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2020 4:00PM
