Avalanche Forecast
Issued: May 2nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Cory Boschman,
Regular forecasts are now finished. Use our Weather Stations, the ACMG Mountain Condition Reports, and the Mountain Information Network to stay up to date on current conditions, or ask for Visitor Safety at 780-852-6155 with specific questions.
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. A winter snowpack may persist on shaded, high alpine slopes.
As the snow thins, crevasse bridges weaken. Use extra care in thin wind-affected areas, eg the Athabasca Glacier.
Avalanche Summary
Expect activity with rising temps, especially during warm and/or sunny afternoons. Use extra caution if the surface didn't freeze overnight.
Watch for Wind Slabs in the alpine, particularly following snow or rain at lower elevations. Use extra caution if they form above crusts, which can happen well into summer on high peaks, eg Mt Athabasca.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
When the sun comes out, temperatures soar above freezing, or rain falls, expect Wet Loose avalanches and Cornice failures. This is especially relevant in steep, high consequence terrain, such as gully climbs on Mt. Andromeda and Mt. Edith Cavell.
- Daytime warming will weaken surface layers, plan your day around being back to the trailhead early.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Crusts and facets from the long winter persist. These could remain active in the alpine into the Summer season, waking up with rising temperatures or Cornice falls. Watch for slabs on large alpine features, such as the Ramp on Mt. Athabasca.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
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.
- Minimize exposure during periods of loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: May 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
