Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
The Icefields Parkway will be closed for avalanche control from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan Crossing starting Saturday at 4 PM. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/.It is time to reel back from avalanche terrain while the snowpack is going through significant changes.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No Icefield's patrol on Saturday and nothing new reported. Maligne patrol noted a few low elevation loose wet size 1. Thursday's Parker Ridge patrol noted a few small loose point release avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
After Saturday evening into Sunday, there could be 20-40cm of new snow in the Icefields. This will be whipped around by winds and rests previously exposed surfaces of temperatures crusts, surface hoar, surface facets, or hard wind buffed wind surface. The midpack is weak and faceted. The bottom is large depth hoar.
Weather Summary
Weather models are not in agreement for a storm arriving Saturday night into Sunday for the Icefields. Snowfall amounts range from 20-40cm depending on which model. There is far less expected for the Maligne and townsite areas. Flurries are expected Monday and Tuesday after the storm.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Weather models predict anywhere from 20-40cm of snow for the Icefield's Saturday night into Sunday. If these amounts occur, expect direct action avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
The incoming storm will have winds to whip up the snow into windslabs. This will make this avalanche problem more reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
The large depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak. If the storm brings enough volume, expect this layer to wake up.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3