Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
a.l. horton,
Parks Canada
Stay out of avalanche terrain!
The Icefields Parkway and the Maligne Lake road are closed until avalanche control efforts can be completed. Check 511.alberta.ca/ for updates.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Heavy snow overnight Friday, 35 cm accompanied by Strong to Extreme SW winds
Saturday will have heavy snow through the morning with an additional 25 cm with Strong to Extreme SW winds. The temperatures and wind drop abruptly in the afternoon.
Sunday will be clear skies and -20 C .
See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Continuing strong SW winds have created wind slab (Soft to hard) tree line and above. Most fetches are stripped. This overlies a weakening mid-pack comprised of varied facet forms. This provides some questionable bridging over the basal facets and DH. HS average at TL: ~145cm Everything changes tonight with a 60cm storm forecasted.
Avalanche Summary
Surprisingly little activity observed along the Parkway on Friday. 1 Size 2 windslab was observed on Churchill N start zone (Alp, NE aspect, 40 deg slope).
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday
Problems
Storm Slabs
60 cm forecast with Extreme winds. We should see widespread avalanche activity at all elevation with large avalanches running full path.
- It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
It is very likely that the amount of snow forecasted will overload this weakness and we will see avalanche running to ground on this layer. No one should be entering avalanche terrain at this time!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2020 4:00PM
