Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Up to 35 cm of new snow has fallen at the Icefields and another 10 cm may fall tonight. We are likely to see a natural avalanche cycle in the alpine tomorrow.
It's a good time to avoid all overhead hazard and stick to mellow, supported terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Most days this week there have been size 3 avalanches failing on the deep persistent layer. On April 2 field teams observed numerous dry loose avalanches in the new snow. In some places these loose dry avalanches stepped down to deeper layers causing slab avalanches up to size 2.5
Snowpack Summary
There is 10-35 cm of new snow at Parkers Ridge. 50 cm of new snow has been reported on top of the Columbia Icefields. This new snow sits on a crust on all but due north aspects. Surface hoar sits on top of this crust in many areas. A 50-100 cm mid-pack rests on top of weak facets. The lower snowpack consists of depth hoar and breaking down crusts. Tree line snow depth is 110-170 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Overnight.
10cm new snow expected.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.
Ridge wind northwest: 10-25 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom
FridaySunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -3 °C.
Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
Freezing level: 2000 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Loose avalanches may step down to deeper layers, resulting in larger avalanches.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Field teams continue to observe deep persistent slab avalanches this week. Avalanches in the upper snowpack may have the potential to step down to these deeper weak layers, leading to larger, more destructive slides. Consider this layer when evaluating overhead hazard and terrain choices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Storm Slabs
Most avalanches from the new snow have been dry loose avalanches. Solar radiation, new snowfall and wind may make this new snowfall become a storm slab and propagate if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Up to 35 cm of new snow has fallen at the icefields and has been creating dry loose avalanches up to size 2. These have the potential to trigger deeper layers in the snowpack. Solar input will make these slides more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2