Dont be in big terrain that hasnt previously avalanched. Sheltered areas have good skiing but we need some snow for a good re-set.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Forecasts are calling for 5-10cm of new snow over the next 24hrs with generally light NW winds. Temperatures will be cool on Saturday and then FRIGID on Sunday! Dress warm!
Avalanche Summary
Its hard to tell whats new and older as strong winds are filling in the fracture lines quickly. Of note, the Tryst Gully (commonly used after leaving tryst) has recently slid sz 2.5 with debris 2-4m deep in places. Some people had been using this gully as an approach earlier this winter and this avalanche is a sobering reminder of how much of a terrain trap this piece of terrain is. Just because you have (or someone else has) gone one way before, doesn't mean its safe.
Snowpack Summary
Light flurries throughout the day and overnight but only close to 5cm of accumulations. Moderate westerly winds continued building on the windslabs that previously existed. Alpine areas have extensive windslabs from the strong winds earlier in the week. Its not uncommon to find a drummy feeling as you approach more open terrain. At treeline the windslabs are more specific in nature such as along ridgelines and in gullies. A few prominent weak layers still exist at the base of the snowpack. The Dec 15th interface down 140cm and the January surface hoar layers down 100cm. Test resulst are still in the hard rnage on these layers but they are highly variable. Use caution in any areas that have not previously slid and minimize your exposure to overhead terrain.
mike.koppang,
Alberta Parks
