Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 14th, 2023–Apr 15th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Dig down and assess the snowpack before committing to terrain.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 skier remote or accidental triggered avalanche was observed on the regular approach to the north glacier on Mt. Athabasca on Thursday. No result from explosive control on Parker Slabs on Friday.

Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of snow sits on multiple crusts up to 2400m. Snow pit tests are showing results in the weak facet crystals below these crusts on south aspects. Above 2400m the surface snow is dry. The snowpack below 1800m is in a daily melt-freeze cycle. The mid-pack above this elevation consists of multiple layers of sun crusts or facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -4 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h.

Freezing level: 1800 metres.

Sunday

Flurries.

Accumulation: 8 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High 0 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-30 km/h.

Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Remember that the snowpack will be significantly different at higher elevations than lower down.
  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

South west winds will pick up through the weekend. Watch for newly developed wind slab in lee features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Stronger overnight freezes may keep this problem in check until mid to late afternoons. Watch out if the sun comes out. Wet loose avalanches can step-down to our basal facets in steep terrain resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5