Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Aaron Beardmore,
The deep freeze will continue for another couple of days. When planning, factor in greater margin to mitigate prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Otherwise watch for wind slabs up high. Excellent ski quality.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The frigid and stagnant air mass will persist until Friday when there is some respite with a slight warming trend. With the slight warming trend expect the wind to pick up into the strong range from the west. A few centimeters of snow is expected on the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
10-40 cm of snow last week with wind from various directions has developed small wind slabs mainly in the alpine but also in isolated treeline areas. There is 50-70 cm over the Dec 2 crust/facet combo which exists below 2200m. This has not been an active problem yet but we are monitoring it closely. Shallow areas (<100 cm) have weaker basal facets
Avalanche Summary
Lake Louise patrollers were able to ski cut size 1 loose dry avalanches in steep tree line terrain features. Sunshine patrollers observed a size 2 cornice triggered avalanche on Mt. Brett that entrained loose snow, no slab.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations on Wednesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Last weeks snow and winds from a variety of directions have created wind slabs in the alpine. Predominantly these are located in the high alpine in the immediate lee.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Recent cold temperatures have promoted faceting of the snowpack. This is most prevalent in thin, steep, rocky areas. Ski patrollers were able to ski cut small slides in steep tree line terrain on Wednesday.
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2021 4:00PM
