Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeHighway 93 will be closed at Friday at 10am from Parkers ridge to Saskatchewan crossing for avalanche control . Expected opening is 6pm with moderate confidence. The plan is for 2 hour temporary closures but no guarantees.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday evening into Friday will bring potentially 20-30cm, -5 °C, light winds gusting to 35 km/h, and freezing level 1500 metres. Saturday will be 6 cm of snow, -17 to -12 °C, light winds, and freezing level at valley bottom. Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, -19 to -13 °C, and light winds.
Snowpack Summary
25cm of recent new snow overlies a variety of surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. Wind slabs are continuously forming on lee aspects. The Columbia Icefields region has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern part of the forecast region is shallower and weaker. 20-30cm of snow may arrive Friday.
Avalanche Summary
Thursday's Icefield's patrol noted nothing new but visibility was poor. Yesterday Maligne patrol noted a few small natural avalanches in steep cross-loaded features at tree-line along the Colin Range.
Use the Mountain Information Network to share your field trip observations contributing to the daily avalanche bulletin.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
20-30cm of new snow is predicted Thursday night into Friday creating a storm slab condition. The rapid loading will likely increase natural activity.
- Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with varied reactivity. Increasing snow load will elevate the hazard in the short term.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The incoming new snow will need some time to settle and stabilize.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2020 4:00PM