Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 8th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Dry, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
Good riding conditions reported in both the Icefields and Maligne areas. Remain cautious when negotiating and assessing areas with obvious wind effect.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A cold, trough will move in from the SW this evening. Convective flurries may produce an additional trace over east front ranges. A cold front will follow and drop down from the north and start to impact the northern region by Monday afternoon when a second, stronger system pushes in on Tuesday.
More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast
Snowpack Summary
Moderate SW winds transporting available fetch to lee aspects forming new windslab and encouraging loose, dry releases from steep terrain through the region. The Icefields has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weaker and shallow; bridging over the basal weakness is less reliable, especially BTL.
Avalanche Summary
Blue skies and unlimited views in the Park today. Numerous, older (-24/48 hrs) loose dry in the alpine, up to size 2 in both the Ice and Maligne zones. A natural, older cornice release up to sz 2 observed, entraining HST from steep lee features and isolated windslabs with no propagation.
Share your observations: Mountain Information Network
Confidence
Problems
Loose Dry
Ice Climbers, be cautious in areas where loading has stressed the snowpack. Top outs and ledges may be particularity sensitive due to new snow and transport winds.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with some reactivity in the immediate lee.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Little recent activity on this layer. More likely to initiate this layer in combination with accidently triggering a surface instability.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 9th, 2020 4:00PM
