Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Marcus Waring,

Ski quality is pretty good and there has been less wind slab development then previously forecast.

Most areas in the alpine are stable but the definition of Moderate fits with pockets of wind slab still possible in specific terrain features up high.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Parkers Ridge area:

Thursday- Cloudy with sunny periods & isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. West wind 10km/h. Freezing level 2100m

Friday- Cloudy with sunny periods & isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Light-20 km/h Wind. Freezing level 2200m

Sat- Flurries. 3-6cm precipitation. Freezing level 2300m.

Additional info @ Avalanche Canada MWF

Snowpack Summary

5-15cm of recent storm snow sits over previously wind effected surface or sun/temperature crusts. Less winds slab development then anticipated with most areas having no visual wind effect. Isolated pockets of wind slab possible near ridge top. A variety of crusts are present in upper snowpack at all elevations but mid snowpack is well consolidated

Avalanche Summary

Sz 1 loose dry avalanche activity observed on the Icefields Parkway today from steep unsupported terrain with limited visibility. Medicine Slabs on Maligne Lake Road had one Size 1.5 natural wind slab avalanche 20cm deep and a few loose dry avalanches.  Please consider submitting a MIN report if you observe any new activity.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Less Winds slab development then anticipated but isolated pockets may still exist near ridge top in the alpine. Wind slabs are expected to settle out quickly but be on the look out for stiffer feeling or increased loading.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

This problem is specific to steep, unsupported terrain. Size of dry loose avalanches is expected to be small but it may be enough to knock you off your feet as new snow sits over a firm bed surface in most locations.

  • Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2022 4:00PM

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