If the forecast holds true we will see another natural cycle start. There is a potential for large avalanches given the amount of new snow and the overall touchy snowpack. Avoid big features and limit exposure to avalanche terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Good
Weather Forecast
Another system will roll our way over night. This new storm is predicted to bring another 40cm over the next 3 days. As usual, the alpine winds will rise to the 100km/hr+ range as the storm plays out. Ridge winds will be less, but still in the ideal range for windslab development. The westerly flow will remain a constant for the next while. The front is another warm one, we can expect daytime highs of -6.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous avalanches were noted today in alpine and treeline elevations. The majority of the avalanches appeared to come down late yesterday or last night. Sizes ranged from 1 to 2.5 and were more prevalent on NE-SE aspect. Treeline avalanches had surprisingly long propagations given the slab density.
Snowpack Summary
Significantly more wind effect in the alpine today. Crossloading was evident in most alpine gullies as were some new cornices. The alpine storm slabs have matured into windslabs that will linger for some time. The underlying surface is a volatile mix of facets and surface hoar in isolated areas. At treeline, the storm snow has settled into cohesive slabs that now have enough stiffness to propagate and be a concern. Below treeline still has a remarkably weak base with difficult trail breaking at the lower elevations. The snowpack has kept its spooky, unsupported feel. Lots of cracking and whumphing in open areas at all elevation. Snowpack confidence is low at the moment and that confidence will disappear all together as new snow is added into the mix. Snow depths are 155@Burstall Pass and 102@Burstall Parking Lot.
matt.mueller,
Alberta Parks
