Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Tereza Turecka,

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Expect to find hard wind slabs in unusual locations as the aftermath of strong variable winds.With another cold spell creeping in, make sure to pack the extra layer or two.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High -18 °C. Light ridge wind.

Wednesday: Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -23 °C, High -18 °C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.

Thursday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Alpine temp: Low -23 °C, High -14 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow being redistributed by strong winds. Wind slabs to be expected at all elevations. Cold temps penetrated deep into the upper snowpack promoting faceting. The mid-pack is supportive with the Dec 1st interface down 40cm in most locations. Basal faceting continues below the Nov 5 crust about 15cm up from the ground.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, field team in the parkway region saw no new avalanches, poor visibility to be considered. Saturday's explosive control on Medicine Slabs produced loose dry and fast moving facet avalanches to the road from steep treeline terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Variable wind directions have caused reverse loading. Strong to extreme winds in the past few days had a potential to create wind slabs farther down the slopes. Careful assessment is required with local terrain influences.

  • Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural deep avalanches are getting less frequent yet it remains a low probability and high consequence event if you push your luck.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2022 4:00PM