Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 9th, 2025–Dec 10th, 2025

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

The new snow and wind continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful assessment is required for riders and climbers.

Expect intermittent road closures for avalanche control from Parkers Ridge through to Coleman Creek. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Significant avalanche cycle on the Icefields Parkway with windslabs dominating the field reports.

Potential for triggering destructive slabs in large features remains a concern.

Snowpack Summary

25-30cm HST continues to be redistributed in the Icefields by moderate S/SW winds, creating a reactive windslab in open areas at treeline and above. Soft storm slab found below treeline may be reactive to light loads. Generally, the mid-pack is holding but showing variable support throughout the forecast region as it slowly facets out. HS ranges from 60 to 120cm at treeline in the Icefields. The Bald Hills area has received less storm snow; average HS of ~60cm.

Weather Summary

Overnight

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precip: Trace Alpine temperature: Low -9 °C. Ridge wind south: 10 km/h.

Wednesday

Flurries. Accumulation: 9 cm. Alpine temperature: High -5 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -9 °C, High -4 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be alert to changing conditions throughout the day.
Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.