Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jul 29th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Wind Slabs.
timothy johnson,
Parks Canada
This Summer has been exceptionally snowy in the Alpine; heightened avalanche hazard remains. Use our Weather Stations, the Mountain Conditions Report, and the Mountain Information Network for conditions, or ask for Visitor Safety at 780-852-6155
Summary
Weather Forecast
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada (https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast). Detailed local forecasts are available from sites like SpotWX (https://spotwx.com/)
Snowpack Summary
An overview is available: https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions
Generally, danger increases with daytime warming, & decreases with cold, clear nights. As the snow thins, crevasse bridges weaken. Use extra care in thin wind-affected areas, eg the Athabasca Glacier.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanches have occurred into the end of July on the high peaks. Activity increases with rising temps, especially during warm and/or sunny afternoons. Use extra caution if the surface hasn't refrozen overnight - clear nights help. Watch for Wind Slabs in the alpine, particularly following snow or rain. Use extra caution if these form above crusts.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
When the sun comes out, temperatures soar above freezing, or rain falls, expect Wet Loose avalanches. This is especially relevant in steep, high consequence terrain, such as gully climbs on Mt. Andromeda, Mt. Edith Cavell and Mt Woolley/Diadem.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Avoid snow face or gully climbs that are catching sun, or after rain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Watch out for large cornices still present at ridge top.
- Travel early before the heat of the day. Minimize travel below slopes threatened by cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Any new snow falling high in the Alpine can quickly become Wind Slabs at any time of the year. This has been a problem in the past on terrain like the Silverhorn and Ramp routes on Mt. Athabasca, and on other high peaks, such as Mt. Columbia.
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.
- New snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jul 30th, 2019 4:00PM
