A small avalanche cycle occurred overnight on Saturday with a few paths releasing full depth to ground. Large avalanches are possible at this time of year.
Summary
Confidence
High - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
Convective flurries will likely continue overnight giving us another 5-8cm. Lots of new snow is available for transport and winds are forecast to remain in the 30-40km/hr range. Temps are forecast (-8C in the alpine) to cool and freezing levels will be dropping to more seasonal values (1600m).
Avalanche Summary
There was a small natural avalanceh cycle last evening up to sz 3. Many paths in the northern part of the forecast region ran full path and depth failing on basal facets at the ground. The cycle seems to be over but that commonly means that these areas are ripe for a trigger such as a human. Numerous loose dry avalanches were also observed on all aspects in the alpine out of steeper terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30cm of snow over the past 24hrs in Alpine terrain. This snow tapers in terms of amounts and the lower elevation areas only have about 15cm. Winds were generally light over the past 24hrs and this new snow has only began to develop isolated windslabs in open wind affected terrain. Gullies, ridgelines, crossloaded areas will be places to be heads up for these problems. If you start to feel that cakey or upside down feeling in the snowpack thats a good indication that you are moving into more wind affected areas. Thin locations are still likely areas wherein you can awaken the basal instabilities causing a full depth avalanche. New windslabs will be reactive to skier traffic for a few days so use caution as you travel and choose smaller slopes to test the stability before committing to the terrain.
mike.koppang,
Alberta Parks
