Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 25th, 2024–Feb 26th, 2024

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Sections of the Icefields Parkway will be closed for avalanche control on Monday. Click here for more information.

A significant avalanche cycle is expected with the passing storm, exercise a high level of caution if you're heading out into the mountains

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

The field team observed several size 2 wind slabs in the Miette lake area mainly on East aspects in the alpine. Several other 12-24hr old similar avalanches were noted in the same area. Feb 23 three avalanches occurred in the Churchill group originating in steep, rocky, unsupported terrain ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.5. Expect increased avalanche activity next couple of days as the storm brings new snow and winds.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 30 cm of new snow has fallen over the region, with the highest amounts around the Columbia Icefields. This has been accompanied by strong westerly winds at tree line and above. The new snow is falling on faceted snow which sits on a 1-3cm thick crust that is down 20-50 cm. The mid-pack is faceted with basal depth hoar and well developed facets near ground. HS ranges from 60 to 100cm.

Weather Summary

Strong westerly winds will begin to weaken during the day on Monday, and allow the snowfall to taper off over the region.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.