Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Freezing levels are rapidly rising with strong wind and some snow expected throughout the day. That's three red flags so keep it conservative and watch your overhead hazard :)
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A natural size 2.5 persistent slab was observed this morning on Mt. Muhigan near the Jasper townsite. NE aspect at approx 2400m.
Natural Size 1-2 wet slab avalanches were observed today on West aspects near Parkers Ridge and off Boundary Peak.
Snowpack Summary
Temperature crust on all aspects up to approx. 2300m. A sun crust will extend to higher elevations on solar aspects. 15-30cm of settling snow sits over the March 19th crust which is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. Widespread wind effect in the alpine. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50 to 150cm.
Weather Summary
Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Icefields Parkway
Overnight Freezing level 1700m
Tuesday Flurries with increasing clouds throughout the day. Accumulation 6 cm. Ridge wind SW 30 km/h gusting to 85. Freezing level 2500m
Wednesday Flurries. Accumulation 8 cm. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h gusting to 60. Freezing level 2100m
Thursday Rapid cooling
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
High freezing levels & strong solar radiation will weaken the snowpack. Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below. If triggered, this snow could step down to the persistent slab resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
This layer may wake up with the warm temperatures. This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Rising winds on Tuesday may increase bring this problem down to treeline. Wind slabs can be found in isolated locations in the alpine, if triggered they could step down to the persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2