Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
Variable wind direction over the past week has caused reverse loading in many areas.
Temperatures have moderated slightly on the Icefields Parkway but extra layers & a cautious attitude is still recommended.
Wind slab is our primary concern however deep persistent slabs have been triggered by cornices & surface avalanches recently.
Variable wind direction over the past week has caused reverse loading in many areas.
Extra vigilance is warranted in steep terrain, ice climbs, and gully terrain traps where small avalanches can build into larger volumes.
Recent avalanche observations have shown that deep persistent slabs can be initiated by large triggers such as surface avalanches or cornice failures.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud.
Alpine temp: high -20 C. Weak alpine inversion.
Wind: West 10km/h
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud.
Alpine temp: low -23 high -20 C. Weak alpine inversion.
Wind West: 10 km/h
Saturday: Mainly Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace Precipitation
Alpine high -17
Wind South West 20km/h
Cold temps are faceting the upper snowpack but pockets of wind slab are still present on all aspects at & above tree line. The mid-pack is supportive with the dec 1 crust interface down approx. 40 cm in most locations. Basal faceting continues below the Nov 5 crust potentially amplifying the deep persistent slab problem.
A natural size 2.5 avalanche was observed on Mt. Wilcox during a road patrol today. Estimated date Dec 27th. This avalanche appears to have started as a wind slab, stepping down to deep persistent slab mid path. View min report here
Marmot Basin reported a similar observation with a natural cornice failure triggering deep persistent slab Dec 24.