Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Dynamic changes in temperature, reverse loading with moderate north winds, and 10-15cm of new snow is forecast by the end of the day Friday.
Avoid exposing yourself to avalanche terrain, and allow the snowpack to adjust.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Snowballing and previous loose wet activity was noted on steep west aspects near Weeping Wall.
A large avalanche (sz3) observed Thursday in the Icefields. Started in the alpine, running mid-track on deep facets, well into below treeline.
If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm from this past week with a further 5-10cm expected overnight Thursday. The wind is loading new snow in a reverse pattern, building new windslab on all aspects in the alpine. The weak upper snowpack is comprised of 20-30cm of facets. with larger facets and cupped depth hoar to ground. This deep persistent weakness may be near the surface in shallow snowpack areas. HS depths vary from 40-110cm.
Weather Summary
Dramatic temperature change begins overnight Thursday and progressively cools through the day Friday. Low of -27 by Saturday morning. Up to 12cm HST with moderate north winds.
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.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong winds from the SW have formed thin wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded alpine features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5