Early season conditions exist with low snow cover and hidden hazards just lurking beneath the surface.
Weather Forecast
Light flurries is forecast for Saturday and Sunday with cloudy skies and -5 to -12 degrees Celsius. Snow fall amounts will increase slightly on Monday ranging from 10-20cm with slightly warmer temperatures. Forecasted snowfall amounts are not yet clear though and we expect to be on the lower end, which will not change the current danger rating.
Snowpack Summary
Field data is limited and its early season conditions. Below 1700m there is no significant snow. 2000m and above 30cm plus can be expected. Snow distribution varies with aspect, elevation, and wind exposure. Treeline and alpine gully features as well as some alpine slopes will be wind loaded. Rocks and timber is marginally covered.
Avalanche Summary
Jasper to Sunwapta station patrol observed nothing new. It is not uncommon at this time of year for climbers to trigger small avalanches from gully features. Even small rides over rocky terrain or cliffs can have serious consequences.
Problems
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.