Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Wind slabs remain the primary concern. Cold temperatures will linger through the week.
Most alpine and treeline areas have been affected by wind.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control near Parkers on Friday (Jan 17) produced slab avalanches up to size 2.5. These avalanches stepped down to the Deep Persistent layer making them larger than expected.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind affect in the TL and Alpine regions. Cold temps, promoting facetting continue to undermine the overall strength of the snowpack. A deep persistent layer at the base of the snowpack remains problematic without a solid mid-pack bridging a decomposing crust and depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at treeline. Valley bottom travel is difficult in the weak, loose facets.
Weather Summary
Overnight
Clear with cloudy periods. No Precip. Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -16 °C, High -13 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -9 °C. Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong to extreme winds have built windslabs in the alpine and treeline. Winds have been variable in direction so watch for reverse loading. The recent cold temperatures will preserve these windslabs for longer than usual. Avalanches may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3