Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Large avalanches running to ground in the alpine have been observed in Jasper as a result of the new snow and winds. Avoid traveling in or under large wind affected slopes.
Small loose avalanches still have the potential to be hazardous above ice routes and terrain traps.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Friday numerous loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed south of Parker Ridge on steep solar aspects. Thursday several avalanches were observed along the Churchill Range on east faces in alpine up to size 2.5 and running to ground. Some of these avalanches were caused by falling cornices.
Snowpack Summary
Strong southwest winds and 15-20 cm of recent snow have developed windslab in lee features. The 7mm Surface Hoar that formed last week is likely flattened by winds but assume it could be preserved under new snow in sheltered locations. With warm temperatures there is a possibility of a temperature crust on southern aspects at lower elevations. The mid and lower snow pack has multiple layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain, melt freeze crusts and facets.
Weather Summary
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -1 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h. Freezing level: 2000 metres.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -3 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1600 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong winds have created new wind slabs. Avoid wind loaded large unsupported terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Dry
New snow in steep terrain has the potential to slide with the current warm temperatures.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2