Careful observation and conservative route finding will be required for any travel into the back-country Sunday. Maligne Lake road is closed and travel on Hwy 93 North is not recommended.
Weather Forecast
Westerly wind and snowfall amounting to 10-15cms forecasted for Saturday overnight.
Snowpack Summary
35cm of storm snow settling rapidly and beginning to slab up with the warmer temperatures and wind; which was packing a punch in the Ice fields area Saturday. From the top down, snowpack has an upside down feeling to it right now, with the warm heavier snow on top and the cooler below. Lots of snowballing and loose slides seen below tree line.
Avalanche Summary
Snowballing and pinwheels observed at roadside but limited visibility above. Snowline at 1500m, rain below and a highly variable freezing level observed on the parkway today.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.