A Snowfall warning will cause the already heightened avalanche risk to increase west of Calgary. Photo by Stephen Strand
The mountains west of Calgary are under another snowfall warning, which is causing the already heightened avalanche warning to increase.
From south of Spray Lakes Reservoir in the south to north of Jasper is under a Snowfall Warning, as a long period of snowfall is expected in the area, with total amounts of 20 to 30 cm expected.
This snowfall will continue through Thursday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected tonight.
Some areas in the higher elevations could receive over 30 cm.
Due to this snowfall, travel will likely be challenging, and visibility will likely be reduced at times.
This snowfall could also cause road closures.
In the mountain range from Mist Mountain in the south to the Canmore area in the north, there is currently a Considerable Risk of avalanches occurring.
But, as that storm arrives tonight (Tuesday, March 24), it will likely raise the avalanche risk, and according to Avalanche Canada, the risk of avalanches occurring will be raised to High on Wednesday, March 25.
However, Avalanche Canada says to keep an eye on localized conditions and to be prepared to adjust terrain choices, depending on the timing of the snowfall and if it arrives earlier than expected.
The ski quality is currently very poor in this area until you reach above 2400 m.
When in this area, it’s advised to make conservative terrain choices while this storm snow settles and stabilizes, pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when travelling either on or below ridges, and avoid fresh wind-loaded terrain features.
In the mountains from Banff and north, the incoming snow and wind will raise the avalanche risk, as this snow will contribute to new avalanche problems and could trigger deeper instabilities and larger avalanches.
Currently, this area has a Considerable Risk of avalanches occurring, but it will be raised to High on Wednesday.
In the lower elevation areas, there is a frozen snowpack, along with other concerns, and travel through this area may be difficult.
To stay up to date on weather alerts in Alberta, click here.
To stay up to date on avalanche risks in the area, click here.
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