The new snow and wind continue to create dangerous slab avalanche conditions. Careful assessment is required for riders and climbers.
The current storm has produced a running total of ~25-30cm of new snow. N/NEly winds are blowing new snow into slabs in the alpine and into the treeline that are likely to be triggered by riders.
Cooling temperatures into the weekend may reduce storm slab reactivity.
Notable natural avalanche cycle on the Icefields Parkway with windslabs dominating the field reports. Avalanche control at Parker's ridge produced slabs up to sz 3 with good propagation at ridge top.
Potential for triggering destructive slabs in large features remains a concern.
Up to 40 cm HST redistributed in the Icefields by strong W and NW winds in open areas at treeline and above, with evidence of a small natural cycle BTL in the storm snow. The mid and lower pack consists primarily of facets. A small crust is located 30cm from the bottom. Snowpack ranges from 60 to 120cm at treeline in the Icefields. The Bald Hills area has received less storm snow; the average height is ~60cm.
Overnight
Flurries. Accumulation, 7cm Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.
Thursday
Cloudy with Sunny periods. Alpine temperature: High -6 °C. Light Ridge winds. Freezing level 2400m
Friday
Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -9 °C. Light ridge winds Freezing level, 2400m.
