Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 13th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jonathan Simms,
Parks Canada
Frigid temps persist. Great time to find sheltered sunny skiing on solar aspects.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The arctic air has arrived bringing cold temperatures and moderated to strong North and Easterly gusting winds. Solar radiation will increase as the skies clear through the weekend.
More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast
Snowpack Summary
The Icefields area has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. 3-5 cms new snow from pm Mar 12th blanketing Hs. The northern region is weaker with less bridging midpack strength above basals and depth hoar. Isolated strong NE valley winds in the townsite area stripping existing snowpack and reverse loading Alp/TL features.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a field team at the Columbia Icefields noted two Deep persistent avalanches up to size 3.5 on SW & NE aspects in the alpine. Cornices loom large and threatening over enticing terrain below but may also be the trigger for the deep persistent weakness. Spindrift and point releases avalanches have also been observed in the past week.
Confidence
Due to the quality of field observations on Sunday
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs forming with mod NE winds today. Previous WSL in the week appear to be bonding well. Tightening/brittle with frigid temps
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
There is significant loose snow clinging to rock faces and in steep alpine features. Triggering of this snow includes human, wind and solar radiation.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain..
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
2 Large avalanches were observed on March 11th. Initiating this layer is more likely from large loads such as cornice fall or from shallow snowpack areas. In the valley bottom the snowpack is less consolidated with less chance of large releases.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 14th, 2020 4:00PM
