Evidence of a wind slab cycle was evident on Sunday. Human triggering remains likely.
Strong SW wind has been loading lee areas in the alpine and tree line. This, coupled with a slight rise in temperature will increase the likelihood of human triggering.
Wx models suggest there is little respite in the wind, which will generally remain in the strong range from the W/SW for the next few days. Temperatures will be slightly warmer than seasonal but the freezing level should remain below surface. A small to moderate amount of new snow (10-20cm) is expected late on Tuesday.
Strong wind from the SW is redistributing available snow into lee areas in both the alpine and treeline. These slabs may bond poorly to the underlying facets from the cold snap. The Dec 2 crust/facet interface is down 80-130 cm.
Two size 2 wind slab avalanches were observed in the Bow Summit area on Sunday. Also, Massey's near Field, went size 2.5 and poured over the ice climb in the past 24 hours. Lake Louise patrollers triggered a size 2 wind slab with explosives. Please see yesterdays MIN report of the avalanche that occurred on the Dec 2 crust in the Simpson paths.
