Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Deryl Kelly,
Icefields Parkway is now closed for Avalanche Control. Anticipated opening on Monday, Feb. 22 at 1800.
Check Alberta 511 for latest updates.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Most regions will continue to see westerly ridgetop winds of 70-90km/h. A cold front will push the heavier snow from north to south across the Rockies Sunday. Heavier snowfall will start in the evening with 5-10cm expected during the day, and up to 15cm on Highway 93. Freezing levels will remain near 1800m overnight throughout the Rockies.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong ridge top winds from the SW have created wind slabs or hard surface conditions in alpine and tree line features. In sheltered areas the top 30-60cm is faceted snow over a supportive mid-pack where the snowpack is deeper. Thin snowpack areas are weak, un-supportive, and facetted.
Avalanche Summary
Field teams working in the Icefields and the Tonquin Valley today reporting severe winds, blowing snow, drifting and, poor visibility
Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable on Monday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Severe SW winds have stripped, and transported snow from many areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Loose dry, spindrift avalanches remain a problem for ice climbers
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
