Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
Stability tests show an easy failure near the ground under a soft windslab. It is early season conditions with a wide range of snowpack variability, many hazards are just under the surface, and limited field info means you need to make astute decisions.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No patrol occurred Tuesday. Monday noted one size 1.5 windslab roadside Hilda ridge. Sunday's Icefield patrol noted several size 1.5-2 wind slabs. An avalanche fatality occurred Saturday in K-country and explosive control produced wind slab and loose dry avalanches up to size 2 on NE alpine aspects. Please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
The Icefields received 20-40cm over the weekend plus gusting winds created wind slabs. It overlies a thin and faceted early season snowpack base. Stability tests fail easy at the base.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night will bring 5 cm of snow, -9 °C, and light gusting moderate SW winds. The following days are forecasted to be sun, flurries, light winds, -8 ° to -16 °C.
Mountain Weather Forecast https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow and wind loading with gusting winds created a wind slab hazard. The team has limited snowpack observations yet tests show the base is weak and the new snow interface is uncertain. Remain vigilant for reactive and changing conditions.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Use caution in steep, sheltered areas. Ice climbers should mindful of their overhead hazard.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2