A hard crust on the surface may feel impenetrable at lower elevations but our persistent / deep persistent problems continue to linger in the mid and lower snowpack. Triggering these persistent layers is most likely in areas where the crust is weak or deteriorating.
There is uncertainty regarding the reactivity of this layer at treeline. The recent re freeze of the upper snowpack may have reduced this problem on solar aspects but more investigation is required before we can remove this problem from treeline.
The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Human and natural triggering of these basal facets remains possible.
No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported on the Icefields Parkway or Maligne Lake Road since Friday.
Previous widespread avalanche activity last week produced numerous natural avalanches at all elevations. This included some impressive avalanches up to size 3.5 at higher elevations, as well as loose wet up to size 2.
A 1-6 cm crust exists up to 2500m. A sun crust can be found on solar aspects to mountain top.
Persistent weak layers, formed in early January, are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas. The bottom of the snowpack is made up of well-developed facets and depth hoar creating our deep persistent problem.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Monday Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine High -5 °C. Light wind. Freezing level valley bottom
Tuesday Cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. High -3. Wind SW 10-25 km/h. Freezing level 1800m
Wednesday Sun/cloud & isolated flurries. Trace precipitation
