Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Cold temperatures on the Parkway this week are not expected to help the snowpack positively.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been reported. No Road Patrol.
Snowpack Summary
No changes in the short term: extensive wind effect is seen throughout the region. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~40-70 cm. The snowpack does have some vulnerabilities (old SH, new crusts), but there is not a structurally stiff slab overlying to support or react to a rider in common riding locations. Very early season conditions.
Weather Summary
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Monday Overnight: -12. Day: -5 °C. Ridge wind light to 25 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in some features, like approaching or moving between pitches on ice climbs. Be cautious in steep terrain if you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5