Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Dynamic changes in temperature, reverse loading with moderate North winds, and 10-15cm of new snow is forecast by the weekend. Avoid exposing yourself to avalanche terrain, and allow the snowpack to adjust.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Snowballing and previous loose wet activity was noted on steep west aspects near Weeping Wall.
If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm from this past week in the Sunwapta/Churchill areas. Less at Parkers Ridge. Variable wind slab building in alpine lee features. The upper snowpack is comprised of 20-30cm of weakening facets. Large facets and cupped depth hoar make up the deep persistent weakness and may be near the surface in shallow snowpack areas. HS depths vary from 40-110cm.
Weather Summary
A westerly flow will continue with isolated flurries through the region, and up to 10-14cm by Friday. Freezing levels to 1900m, w/ light rain possible at lower elevations. Winds will be light/moderate westerly.
Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong winds from the SW have formed thin wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded alpine features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5