Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Fryatt, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
This week's storm brought limited snow to this region however the snow that is there is sitting on a weak base of facets. Watch for lee or cross-loaded features where the slab sitting on top is stiffer and deeper.
The threat of early season hazards is real and just below the surface.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday's patrol noted no significant avalanche observations as the storm brought far less snow to the region compared to the Parkway.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm of new snow this week redistributed by strong winds has stripped many areas and formed windslabs where deposited. This snow overlies a midpack weak layer composed of surface hoar and facets or a melt-freeze crust depending on aspect or elevation. The snowpack is 30-40cm in depth with a weak facetted base.
A rain crust exists below 1800m.
Weather Summary
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest ridgetop winds: 35 km/h. Alpine temperature: High -10 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Winds picking up at ridgetop; southwest 25 km/h gusting to 55 km/h. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -6 °C.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The snow pack is very weak at the bottom from basal facets. Watch for areas of windloading where the slab sitting on top is stiffer and deeper.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2