Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 23rd, 2023–Jan 24th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Continue to be mindful of the deep persistent slab problem and make conservative terrain choices. Incoming storm late on Wednesday lasting through Friday - new snow will be welcome but watch for an increase in danger ratings by Thursday.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanches observed or reported.

If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps.

Snowpack Summary

2cm of new snow Monday morning along with 5cm from this past week in the Parker Ridge area. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have redistributed this new snow to lee features in exposed areas. Upper snowpack is comprised of 20-30cm variable density snow sitting on top of the December 17 facet layer. Large facets and depth hoar comprise the bottom portion of the snowpack. Snowpack depths vary from 40-120cm.

Weather Summary

A westerly flow will bring unsettled conditions to the area in the next few days. Tuesday will be a mix of sun and cloud. Moderate westerly winds will decrease to light values with trace amounts of precipitation possible. Temperatures in the Icefields will be seasonal. Wednesday morning will be similar with westerly winds increasing to moderate and strong values. A low pressure system with associated warm front will bring light precipitation Wednesday night through Friday with up to 15mm in the forecast.

Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.