Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
We have transitioned to spring conditions at all elevations. The key to safe and good travel is to start and finish early before the freezing level rises. Winter conditions can still be found in the high alpine around the Icefields.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several deep persistent slabs and wet loose avalanches across the region in the alpine were observed on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Without a good overnight freeze the snowpack is slush to 2200m. In sheltered northerly slopes above 2600m, soft snow exists. Isolated wind slabs exist on wind exposed lee slopes in the alpine. In the alpine, the lower snowpack is dry, faceted, and weak. High north aspects offer the best spring riding conditions, though the snowpack remains susceptible to triggering deeper, unstable layers.
Weather Summary
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High 0 °C.
Ridge wind west: 10-25 km/h.
Freezing level: 2300 metres.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -3 °C, High 4 °C.
Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Freezing level: 2800 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Loose avalanches may step down to deeper layers, resulting in larger avalanches.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Even though daytime temperatures will be slightly cooler, the sun will still have a significant effect on the snowpack. Plan to travel early and be off steep slopes before the heat of the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is combination of midseason persistent weak layers and the weak facets & depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack. Field team observed 3 x size 2 deep persistent slab avalanches on Saturday 26th. These were triggered by smaller avalanches, which then stepped down to these weaker layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 4