Avoid exposure to large wind loaded alpine and tree line places!
New wind slabs forming with Strong NE winds past 36 hrs. This, in combination with basal facet issue, are producing random large destructive avalanches.
Several natural large avalanches observed today due to the combination of rapid wind loading initiating basal facets or reloaded bed surfaces.
Mnt Athabasca ramp route ran size 3.5 today. Impressive avalanche running into the rock basin below.
The arctic air has arrived bringing cold temperatures and moderated to strong North and Easterly gusting winds. More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast
Strong NE winds past 36 hrs stripping and redistributing upper snowpack. Wide spread scouring in exposed places. Hard slabs, soft slabs, sastrugi now present. The Icefields area has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weaker with less bridging midpack strength above basals and depth hoar.
Saturday's field team observed several large natural avalanches to size 3.5 from continued strong NE winds. Running on the ground. Ramp route on Athabasca peak today ran size 3.5 down to ice due to rapid loading. Several other natural and cornice triggered avalanches to size 3 observed on road patrol. Cornices loom large and threatening.
