Pyramid

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.

Danger is highest after new snowfall, rain, or wind transport.   Early season faceting may have weakened the bond of the thin fall snowpack to steep ice gullies/faces.  Use extra caution in high, icy arenas – Persistent Slabs have surprised parties in recent years, e.g. late season Mt Athabasca climbers.  Avalanche season is here: do your own avalanche forecasting; carry a transceiver, shovel and probe; and to know how to use them.

An early season overview

Watch out for alpine areas as they gain enough snow for avalanches over the next couple of weeks. High bowls, gullies, and around ridgelines are classic spots for early season avalanches.

Vast numbers of open late summer crevasses are now deceptively hidden, by very thin bridges of wind-blown new snow.  Roping up and diligent probing, and glacier reading experience are all critical for safe glacier travel.

For current weather conditions, see the telemetry stations on the Avalanche Canada map page.

 Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada

Detailed local forecasts are available on your favorite weather app.