Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
Winds continue to move the snow around particularly at ridgetop. There was allot of previous wind effects as well.
Significant recent wind effect and cornice growth has been observed. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully as large avalanches could occur in isolated areas.
Winds continue to move the snow around particularly at ridgetop. There was allot of previous wind effects as well.
The likely trigger spot would be from a shallow location. This is a complex problem particularly with our spatial variability across the landscape. Large triggers, such as cornice failures, is enough to trigger this deep instability.
Thursday will be flurries and 8 cm of snow, high -4 °C, Winds southwest 20 km/h gusting to 45 km/h, and freezing level 1700 metres. Friday will be flurries and 7 cm of snow, Low -5 °C, High -3 °C, winds southwest 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, and freezing level 1800 metres.
For more info: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
The soft surface snow has become more cohesive and is bonding to the previous surfaces as it settles with mild temperatures. The upper snowpack remains mainly facetted. This is pronounced in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm height of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.
Wednesday's helicopter flight observed only two recent large cornice failures that initiated avalanches in the weak basal facets and one windslab avalanche. Tuesday's Icefields and Maligne patrols noted no new natural activity. Monday's explosive work South of the Icefields produced soft slabs to size 1.5 on low elevation targets.