Although the Avalanche Hazard is Low, Ice Climbers should be cautious on steep solar exposed gulleys. A temperature inversion and solar input is triggering loose snow avalanches in this terrain.
Weather Forecast
Blocking high pressure and connected ridge is deflecting all weather systems. A strong temp inversion will peak on Saturday with alpine temps well above freezing expected. Valley bottom temps will moderate through the weekend. All temps begin to slide as the new week begins and no precipitation in the near future.
Snowpack Summary
Variable wind slab in open or exposed terrain. Sun crust forming on steep solar aspects due to warm alpine temperatures. In most areas the snowpack = Surface facets on a supportive mid-pack that is bridging basal facets.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous loose snow avalanches to size 1 reported along the Icefields Parkway Thursday afternoon on steep solar exposed gulleys (ice climbs).
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable on Friday
Problems
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.
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.