Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.
AB,
Avalanche Canada
The treeline danger rating has been reduced to 'low', however, the basal snowpack remains untrustworthy. It is still possible to trigger this layer in steep rocky terrain. Avoid thin spots especially.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a group of two on Observation Peak triggered and got caught by, a sz 2 slab that scrubbed the track to the ground.
Minimal explosive results from steep rocky terrain were reported by the Lake Louise ski patrol today.
Snowpack Summary
Trace amounts of snow bury surface hoar below treeline and sun crusts on steep solar slopes treeline and above. Wind effect and old, hard-slab are found TL and above. A temperature crust from just before Christmas is now buried 10-20 cm below 1900m.
The mid-pack contains a rain crust which can be found as high as 2300m in southern areas.
The basal third of the snowpack consists of a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.
Treeline snow depths range from 60-100 cm.
Weather Summary
A trace of new snow is expected on Wednesday. Temperatures will remain relatively constant at close to zero in the valley and -10 at the ridgeline. Colder temperatures are forecasted for late in the week. Wind will be light to moderate from the SW.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
- Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snowpack is weak, comprising facets and depth hoar while the recent warm temperatures and winds have promoted the development of slab properties in the mid and upper snowpack. Trusting this inherently unstable snowpack structure in terrain with any consequence is a poor idea.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
