Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Warm temperatures will continue into Thursday. Remember that even a small avalanches in the wrong place can have serious consequences.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
10cm of moist surface snow to around 2200m due to above freezing temperatures. The Nov 8 crust and facets are down 20-30 cm at tree-line and below. We have also found surface hoar (6mm) down 60cm at 2500m. The October crust is widespread and is found near the base of the snow pack and has facets above and below. Snow depth is roughly 70 cm at treeline and tapers rapidly below.
Weather Summary
Thursday
Mainly cloudy.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -2 °C.
Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Freezing level: 2000 metres.
Friday
Flurries.
Accumulation: 7 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C, High -3 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h.
Freezing level: 1800 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Watchout for warm temperatures over the next few days especially with the shallow snowpack. Small wet avalanches can be a problem if you are exposed ice climbing or above a terrain trap.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer is most reactive where it has been loaded by wind transported snow. This problem includes the Oct 18 crust and the Nov 8th crust and surface hoar. There’s uncertainty around its distribution and triggerability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5