Although the likelihood of triggering avalanches decreases below treeline, alpine terrain is in high hazard and may run to lower elevations. Be cautious with terrain selection and avoid exposure to overhead hazard.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Light scattered precipitation and a gradual warming trend on Friday. Heavier snowfall is expected to start Friday night and continue through Saturday with total amounts in the 10-30cm range. Winds will increase from the SW during this storm and freezing levels will creep up to 1400m.
Snowpack Summary
40cm of recent storm snow has been pushed around by intermittently moderate to strong SW winds and created fresh windslabs in exposed areas, particularly in the alpine. In sheltered areas, this new snow sits as a touchy storm slab in many locations. Midpack persistent weak layers (Jan 16, Jan 7, and Dec 15) are still a concern but remain stubborn.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control along the Icefields Parkway produced numerous size 3 avalanches in the alpine, and many size 2-2.5 storm slab and loose avalanches at all elevations. Persistent slab avalanches were produced in the alpine where wind loaded areas provided enough of a trigger to step down to these layers.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday