Avalanche season is upon us in the alpine. Due to a thin snowpack, glacier travel is also at its trickiest. Use Weather Stations, the ACMG Mountain Condition Reports, and the MIN for conditions; or ask for Visitor Safety at 780-852-6155.
These have caught alpinists on routes like Side Street and the AA Buttress. Hikers/Scramblers: avalanche hazard may exist on alpine trails like the Skyline or on Cavell. Ice climbers: consider overhead slopes and wind-loaded slopes on approaches.
Recent snow and wind increase the frequency of loose dry sluffs in steep, shaded terrain. With early season ice pro sometimes scarce, climbers should consider the risks of a sluff-induced fall if climbing early season ice.
These have caught alpinists climbing routes on Wooley/Diadem and Andromeda. Hikers/Scramblers: avalanche hazard may exist on alpine trails like Mt. Wilcox or Roche A Perdrix. Ice climbers: consider overhead slopes and wind-loaded slopes on approaches
Expect the current alternation of cold fronts and sunny weather to continue. Watch for fluctuating freezing levels. Warmer periods can leave crusts, which may act as future sliding layers.
Avalanche Canada offers a regional forecast.
Detailed local forecasts are available on SpotWX
Watch out for alpine areas as they gain enough snow for avalanches over the next couple of weeks. Alpine bowls, gullies, and around ridge lines are classic spots for early season avalanches. Many open crevasses are hidden by thin bridges of wind-blown snow. Roping up, diligent probing, and experience are critical for glacier travel.
Danger is highest after new snowfall, rain, or wind transport - expect increased avalanche activity during, and for 24hrs after such events. Use extra caution where slabs lie over alpine ice; this was the cause of a large avalanche on Mt Athabasca in early October. Do your own avalanche forecasting; carry a transceiver, shovel & probe and practice.
