Up to 15cm of new snow is expected by Wednesday morning. Winds are also forecast to increase, which will create new wind slabs across the region.
Keep the deep persistent layer in mind, especially in thin or rocky terrain, where it is easiest to trigger.
Sheltered areas will offer the best skiing and riding conditions.
Previous winds from various directions has created winds labs across the region. Up to 15cm of new snow by Wednesday accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds will create new wind slabs in lee features.
Be cautious where the snowpack transitions from thick areas to thin areas. Recent avalanches up to size 3 have been observed on this layer. This problem encompasses multiple weak layers of facets, crusts, and basal facets from November and December.
Jan 2- A natural 2.5 deep persistent avalanche was observed at Parkers Ridge, likely triggered by cornice fall.
Jan 4- A natural 2.5 deep persistent avalanche was observed on Mt. Morden Long.
Winds have redistributed snow into windslabs in alpine and open treeline areas. The midpack is supportive and sits above 40-60 cm of faceted snow that makes up the lower snowpack. Basal facets and an early season melt freeze crust are located ~30cm off of the ground and remain active as a weak layer in the snowpack.
Average snow depth in the Icefields Parkway area is 140-200cm and in the Maligne area average depth is 100cm.
Tuesday
Up to 9cm new snow.
Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.
WednesdayMainly cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm snow.
Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -9 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.
ThursdayCloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -15 °C, High -12 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 60 km/h.
