Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 10th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Deryl Kelly,
Caution is strongly advised while the snowpack adjusts to the changing temperatures.
Road and avalanche control closures imminent with forecasted new snow, Wednesday through Friday.
Check AB 511 for up to date info.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Flurries, 8 cm. Temp: High -6 °C. SW: 20-40 km/h.
Wednesday: Snow, heavy at times. Accumulation: 29 cm Temp: Low -6 °C, High -2 °C. SW: 20-40 km/h. FZL: 1900 m
Thursday: Flurries. Accumulation: 11 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -2 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 m
Snowpack Summary
Significant changes happening in the forecast region. New input of snow, wind or sun are having a dramatic effect to the hazard depending on asp, elevation and geographic location. Surface instabilites, like new snow, wind-pressed, transported or temp related will trigger and entrain facets, likely other deep instabilities. Strong caution advised.
Avalanche Summary
Forecasting teams observing numerous natural events, up to sz 2 in both the Maligne range and Icefields Parkway.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Steady and gusting SW wind continue to develop new slabs on lee aspects particularly the North aspects.
- Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This layer is a rain crust up to 1950m and reactive. Typically this layer is down around 40cm.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Notable activity in the region. Triggers include cornice failures, explosives, or a skier's weight in a very shallow snowpack spot.
- Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 11th, 2022 4:00PM
