Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
Watch for a widespread temperature crust formed on Tuesday from above freezing temperatures to 3000m. This layer could potentially become an issue in the future.
Early Season Conditions persist, so travel with caution.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Whumphing was reported in the Hilda ridge area on Saturday. Extreme to strong winds and above freezing temperatures to 3000m on Tuesday could increase avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is very shallow with only 25-40cm at treeline. The alpine is heavily wind effected with scoured windward slopes and ridges. Snowpack can be a meter deep in leeward features. Expect a temperature crust on all aspects to mountain top.
Weather Summary
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -5 °C.
Ridge wind northwest: 10-20 km/h.
Thursday
Sunny with cloudy periods.
Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -6 °C.
Ridge wind light.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind event on Tuesday has likely created wind slabs in cross-loaded terrain and possibly into treeline where there is enough snow to slide.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2