These cold temperatures can quickly turn a minor problem into a major one. Think about bringing extra layers and planning shorter days.
With the new snow and a switch to northeasterly winds expect slab development on non typical lees. These wind slabs will have a potential to overload the deep persistent layer below and result in larger than expected avalanches.Strong winds affected open slopes below tree line. Isolated wind slabs may be present all the way to valley bottom on a smaller scale.
Cold temperatures can cause the snowpack to become weak and loose cohesion. This is more of an issue for ice climbers in steep rocky terrain.
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Natural avalanches continue to step down to this layer.
No Patrol on Wednesday. One notable reverse loaded wind slab on the SE face of Mt. Henry near Jasper.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Up to 15 cm of new snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds. Reverse loading present in the alpine and open tree line. In sheltered locations the upper snowpack is comprised of 25-35 cm soft snow from the past couple of weeks on top of a generally weak mid and lower snowpack with facets and depth hoar at the base. The height of snow is variable from 50 to 150cm.
For Parker Ridge
Thursday
Sunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -27 °C.
Ridge wind east: 10 km/h.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -27 °C, High -19 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15 km/h.
Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
