Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
The day generally starts at a low hazard and gradually increases as the day warms up. WATCH OUT if the sun pokes out increasing trigger-ability particularly on steep solar aspects.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Monday's Icefield patrol had great visibility. No new avalanches were observed from 1100 to 1300hrs. Sunday's Maligne-Bald Hills patrol noted no new avalanches but visibility was limited to below mountain tops.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10cm of snow with variable wind effect overlies a strong mid-pack above 2400m on shaded aspects. Sunny aspects, and everywhere below 2400m, starts in the morning as a supportive surface crust that breaks down with solar input and rising daytime temperatures.
Weather Summary
Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada
Monday night will be clear, light winds, and -4 °C. Tuesday's forecast is for clouds, sun, 0 °C, light SW winds, and 2300m freezing level. Wednesday's weather will be clouds, sun, flurries, -3 °C to -1 °C, light gusting moderate SW winds, and a 2200m freezing level.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
This problem is unreactive in the morning and increases sensitivity with afternoon warmth and sun. It is critical to evaluate the degree of overnight freeze and relate it to how quickly this problem can activate during the day.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
Avoid direct exposure to cornices as the temperatures rise. Cornice failures are a bad situation anytime.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3