Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
MW,
Avalanche Canada
10-15cm of snow at Parkers Ridge on Saturday has slightly improved the dismal ski quality on the Icefields Parkway. Keep in mind that our low snowpack means rocks, stumps, and other hazards may be hidden just below the surface.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed on the Icefields Parkway today.
Please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
10-15cm of recent snow has been redistributed by moderate wind developing a soft wind slab in exposed terrain. Surface wind slab/snow sits over a hard layer created by previous wind-effect. The rest of the snowpack is weak and faceted with well-developed depth hoar at the base. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-75 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday
Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine high -15c. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h
Tuesday
Flurries. Accumulation: 7 cm. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h gusting to 40.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Alpine High -10 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.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.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
This storm arrived with variable wind direction so be on the lookout for reverse loading.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 8th, 2024 4:00PM
