Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 25th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Rising temperatures and freezing levels should make for an enjoyable day in the mountains.
Windslabs can be found in a wide range of areas due to changing wind directions. Assess the deep persistent slab as you choose terrain, as it remains a low probability but high consequence problem in the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed along the Icefields Parkway on January 25th.
No notable avalanches have been observed since avalanche control at Parker Ridge on January 17th produced size 2.5 slab avalanches stepping down to basal deep persistent layer at the bottom of the snowpack.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind effect at alpine and treeline has formed wind slabs over a weak faceted mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack are the early season crusts, which are faceting and often surrounded by large depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at treeline, and thins quickly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Sunday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High 2 °C. Ridge wind northwest: 10 km/h. Freezing level: 2300 metres.
MondaySunny Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low 1 °C, High 3 °C. Ridge wind northwest: 10-25 km/h. Freezing level: 2900 metres.
TuesdayA mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C, High 1 °C. Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level: 2300 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have built wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. Winds have been variable in direction so watch for reverse loading. Avalanches may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2025 4:00PM
