Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 4th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
Avalanche Control will be conducted along the Icefields Parkway on Friday, March 6th.
Expect periodic closures, up to 2 hours between 10:00 to 18:00.
Weeping Wall and Polar Circus will be closed.
No Climbing permitted at any time on Friday.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Snowfall tapering off through the day Wednesday as the front moves east and a shallow ridge builds. This will be quickly replaced by another front on Thursday; accompanied with rising freezing levels, snow and strong winds. Forecasted snow overnight, 15cm; to add to the previous 20-25cm fallen over the last week.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. New wind slabs 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 has a generally shallower snow pack that is less bridged.
Avalanche Summary
Few small natural avalanches observed in steep cross-loaded features, at tree-line along the Colin Range in the Maligne Valley.
Used daily by Forecasters, The Mountain Information Network is your way to share your field trip observations and helps contribute to the daily avalanche bulletin.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with varied reactivity. Ridge tops and immediate lee features pose the most obvious hazard to triggering but anywhere with visible wind effect can pose a threat.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
New snow will need some time to settle and stabilize.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Skier triggering could occur in shallow snowpack areas or from large load. The consequences of triggering would be severe! Caution traveling, skiing and climbing in run out zones as avalanche have the potential to run full path
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 5th, 2020 4:00PM
