Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Good skiing can be found out there, however watch for windslabs near ridgetop and persistent slabs on northerly aspect.
If the sun comes out and it warms up, wet loose avalanches will be possible during the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity reported on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
10-15cm of low density snow sits over the March 19th crust which is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50 to 150cm.
Weather Summary
Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Sunday
A mix of sun & cloud. Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level: 1700m.
Monday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Ridge wind west: 15-25 km/h. Freezing level: 2200m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level: 2700m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area. It is possible that this will step down to the deep persistent weak layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs can be found in isolated locations in the alpine. These developing wind slabs are small in size but be aware that if triggered, they could trigger a persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Climbing freezing levels and solar radiation will destabilize the snowpack. Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5