Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Natural avalanche activity is still being observed and human triggering of avalanches remains likely. Make conservative terrain choices by sticking to low angle terrain well away from steeper slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There has been a widespread natural avalanche cycle over the last 1-2 weeks that is expected to continue.
Five natural avalanches, size 1.5 to 2, were observed March 19-20, mostly at tree line and below. There have been a number of other natural avalanches, as well as skier remotes, in the Banff forecast region.
Marmot Basin Ski Hill has seen significant results from recent explosive control work, including deep persistent slab avalanches from size 2 to 3.5 (March 18/19).
Weather Summary
Friday evening: Clear periods. Alpine temp low of -14 °C. Ridge wind west: 10-30 km/h.Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace of snow. Alpine temperature: High -8 °C. Ridge wind west: 15-30 km/h.
Sunday: Cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -6 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This avalanche problem is associated with a weak facet and crust layer buried at the end of January approximately 70cm down in sheltered areas. This includes a crust layer formed in early March below the recent storm snow which is prominent on solar aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Wind Slabs
If triggered, expect to initiate lower weaker persistent layers creating a large avalanche.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Well developed facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snow pack can produce large avalanches. Several big avalanches released during and immediately after the March 7th storm. Be suspicious of any slopes that have not released naturally.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5