Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Human triggering of the deep persistent slab problem remains possible. Conservative terrain choices are still advised.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanche activity 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 continue to bring unsettled conditions in the next few days. Wednesday will be variable cloud with isolated flurries. Freezing level will rise to 1900m; light rain will be possible at lower elevations. Winds will be moderate from the west. Continued isolated flurries Thursday and Friday.
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.
Avalanche Problems
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: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong winds from the SW have formed thin wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5