Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Tereza Turecka,
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2022 4:00PM
