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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 8th, 2022–Dec 9th, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Forecasters had lots of settlements on Thursday at the treeline area indicating that a skiers weight can trigger an avalanche. Any avalanche is likely to step down to the deeper weak facetted base.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday but visibility was limited due to light snowfall and low cloud.

Snowpack Summary

A few slab avalanches (both human and naturally triggered) in steeper terrain have been noted in recent days. As the winds increase on Thursday, we expect windslabs to become more widespread on lee aspects (N and E).

The basal layers of the snowpack are typical of the eastern Rockies for this time of year, and consist almost entirely of facets. Unfortunately this condition is not going anywhere fast, and may be with us for the season. Any avalanche that initiates in the upper snowpack is likely to fail in the deeper weak facets and involve the intire snowpack.

Weather Summary

Winds will decrease overnight and be more moderate on Friday out of the SW. Light snow will continue with daytime high around -10C. This weather pattern should be expected to persist throughout the weekend.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The basal layers have turned into a conglomeration of weak facets and depth hoar crystals from the cold temperatures earlier this winter. Any avalanche that initiates in the upper snowpack is likely to step down to this weak base layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Windslabs in along ridgelines and in gullied terrain. These avalanches will likely step down to the weak base layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2