Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
An upslope storm could bring 30-50cm of snow for the Maligne lake area Wednesday-Thursday. The road is closed until Friday. Check Alberta 511 for updates. Icefields received 5-10cm improving ski conditions. Read the Avalanche Canada Forecasters Blog for resources on how to navigate the switch to spring.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Nothing of significance was observed on Wednesday's Maligne and Icefield patrols but visibility was very poor. Monday noted no new activity. JNP's neighbours have observed dry loose activity in the Alpine and wet loose at Treeline and below, all size 1 or less.
Snowpack Summary
Wednesday's snowfall amounts varied with Maligne receiving 30cm from an upslope storm and Icefield's 5-10cm. Some of the snow is being redistributed by alpine ridgetop winds. A cornucopia of crusts extend up to 2600m, on all aspects, and to ridgetop particularly on solar aspects.
Weather Summary
Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada
Thursday will be clouds, sun, 0 °C, light NE winds, and 2300m freezing level. Friday is going to be similar except for 2 °C and 2400m freezing level. Friday could be same as Thursday but with slightly warmer temperatures and a higher freezing level.
Temperatures are gradually increasing each day.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and wind has formed isolated windslabs in lee areas at ridgetop in the alpine. The winds have been very variable so assess for loading in the not-so-normal locations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Recent snowfall has been highly variable throughout the region. Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't bonded well to old surfaces. This will evolve into a loose wet problem in the following days as temperatures rise.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5