Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2021 4:00PM

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

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Travel delays between Parkers Ridge and Saskatchewan Crossing can be expected on Sunday for avalanche control.

Check AB511 for updates.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace of new. Temp: Low -14 °C. Ridge wind W: 10-25 km/h.

Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Temp: High -15 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -18 °C, High -15 °C. Ridge wind west: 10-25 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and small amounts of new snow has formed sensitive wind slabs in alpine and treeline areas. Mid snowpack has settled with a 2cm crust present (down ~20cm) below the recent storm snow up to 1950m. Another crust near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting adding to deep persistent slab concerns.

Avalanche Summary

Anticipating possible Avalanche control operations on the Icefields Parkway beginning Sunday morning. Delays of up to 1.5 can be expected between 10:00 and 15:00. Check Alberta road conditions for updates.

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Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow available for transport with moderate SW winds continue to incrementally build on this hazard. Use caution in lee features and near ridge crests.

  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering this layer would be a high consequence event - cautious decisions and thorough investigation is necessary. More likely to trigger this layer in transitions from thin snowpack to deeper loaded pockets or terrain features.

  • Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2021 4:00PM