Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Cool temperatures and blue skies on the Parkway today. An older but notable avalanche was observed in the alpine on a wind-loaded, steep, and unsupported glacier ramp. This and similar features on ice climbs are where you will may trigger a deep persistent slab at the moment.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Aged sz 2 noted today on Mt Athabasca, Noth Glacier below the ramp. The area is quite wind-loaded, steep, and considered unsupported glacier ice.
Snowpack Summary
No changes in the short term: extensive wind effect is seen throughout the region. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-65 cm. The snowpack does have some vulnerabilities (old SH, windslab), but there is not a structurally stiff slab overlying to support or react to a rider in common riding locations. Very early season conditions.
Weather Summary
Wednesday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precipitation: trace. Tuesday Overnight: -9. Day: -4 °C. Light westerly winds to 10 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in some features, like approaching or moving between pitches on ice climbs. Be cautious in steep terrain if you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5