Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Strong winds from the SW continue to build reactive wind slabs at tree line and above.
Cooler temperatures are expected for Thursday, but remain cautious of steep sun exposed slopes, and reactive wind slabs at tree line and above.
Strong winds from the SW continue to build reactive wind slabs at tree line and above.
Temperatures are cooling for a Thursday, but be mindful steep slopes in direct sun could still produce consequential avalanches.
Be cautious where the snowpack transitions from thick areas to thin areas. Recent avalanches up to size 3.5 have been observed on this layer. This problem encompasses multiple weak layers of facets, crusts, and basal facets from November and December.
Wind slabs and loose wet avalanches up to size 2 were produced from avalanche control along the Icefields Parkway on Tuesday.
A size 3.5 deep persistent slab triggered by a large cornice failure was observed on Saturday in the icefields area, and a size 2 deep persistent slab was observed from the ski hill in the adjacent backcountry on Tuesday.
The snowpack is undergoing a significant transition. Strong winds have created reactive wind slabs at ridgetop, while at tree line and below, the snowpack is warming significantly, increasing the likelihood of loose wet avalanches in the region. The basal facet deep persistent problem remains a concern, particularly in thin snowpack areas, or under large triggers like cornice falls.
Thursday
Sunny
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -6 °C.
Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 55 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
FridaySunny
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -4 °C.
Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.
Freezing level: 2700 metres.
SaturdaySunny
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -4 °C, High -1 °C.
Light ridge wind.
Freezing level: 3100 metres.
Strong alpine temperature inversion.