Carefully identify and evaluate wind loaded terrain when travelling in the alpine.
The recent storm snow has settled nicely, and with lighter winds there’s still some fantastic skiing to be found out there.
Sunday’s patrol observed moderate southwesterly alpine winds drifting new storm snow into potential wind slabs. Conditions have been calm since, but despite little natural activity, you should remain highly suspicious when travelling in the alpine.
No road patrol was completed today.
We received a report of a large avalanche on the NE slopes of Snowdome, though the exact timing is unknown.
On Sunday, the Icefields team observed numerous loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5. They also noted a size 2 slab avalanche in the fan of a couloir on Snowdome.
The previous 40 cm of storm snow remains light but is settling well.
Previous moderate southwesterly winds have created windslabs in the alpine.
The mid pack generally consists of firm windpressed snow from earlier wind events. Snow cover in the alpine varies greatly, with some areas blown free of snow, while other areas are filled in. Below 2200m a 2cm crust is present halfway down the snowpack from November 10.
Friday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine high -13 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
SaturdaySunny with high of -10 °C in the alpine. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
SundayA mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -10 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
