Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
The Icefields Parkway should be open Monday by noon. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/.Do not be bold as the volume of new snow means things have changed. Be cautious in avalanche terrain while the snowpack is adjusting to the new snow load.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Explosive control work at Parkers ridge area resulted in several size 2 storm / wind slabs. A size three was observed in the Alpine on Mount Amery. Where the sun poked out, loose wet activity was noted on steep solar aspects at all elevations. Otherwise the visibility was poor and one should assume there was more activity.
Snowpack Summary
Parkers ridge received 20-30cm of snow Saturday night. Winds are whipping it around at alpine ridgetops. The new snow rests on previous temperature crusts, surface hoar, surface facets, or a hard wind buffed surface. The midpack is weak and faceted. The bottom is large depth hoar.
Weather Summary
Monday will bring clouds, flurries, -6 °C, 15 gusting 50 km/h winds. Tuesday will be more sun, flurries, -9 to -4 °C, and light winds. Wednesday will be flurries and 15 gusting 40 km/h winds.
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
20-30cm of new snow is causing direct action avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Winds during and post storm are whipping up the new snow into active windslabs. This will likely persist the next few days.
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. The recent storm load has the potential to wake up this problem as overall, the snowpack remains shallow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3