There are dramatic differences in the snowpack from the Icefields to Whistler creek areas. Whistler area is significantly less supportive to skiers. A large avalanche was triggered by skiers on Feb 17. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.
Wind slabs are widespread through the region with new and previous loading in lee features. Sensitivity will vary with local loading and wind patterns. Winds continue to blow strong.
Triggering could occur from shallow snowpack areas or from large loads such a cornice failure. The consequences of triggering will likely be severe!
No new avalanches reported from field team in the Circus valley near Portal creek on Friday. Maligne and Icefields patrol on Saturday noted nothing new.
Sunday will be cloudy with scattered flurries, 4 cm of snow, -7 C., and light ridge wind gusting to 35 km/h. Monday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace amount of snow, -14 to -10 C, and light Northwest winds.
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Mountain Weather Forecast
Widespread hard slab on most surfaces treeline and above. Stripping any available snow from most windward alpine slopes and wind pressed or developing windslabs on lee aspects. Solar crusts on solar aspects up to 2500m. Cornice development on northerly aspects. The mid-pack is bridging the deep basal facets and depth hoar except in shallow areas.
