Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
The avalanche hazard will likely hold steady for one more day, before rising significantly Monday evening and into Tuesday with the incoming storm.
Early Season Conditions persist.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10cm of new snow now overlies the December 2nd interface, which consists of surface hoar up to 10mm, a thin sun crust on south and west aspects, and facets. Moderate to strong winds continue to redistribute snow at tree line and above. The snowpack is generally between 25-45cm in depth with a faceted base.
Weather Summary
An unsettled westerly flow across the region will lead to cloudy conditions and scattered flurries through Monday. Trace accumulations of new snow and strong westerly winds are anticipated.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The snow pack is very weak and faceted, particularly near the ground. We expect this problem to "wake up" and become more active as the load from the forecast snow and wind increases.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Forecast strong winds and snow could lead to the development of reactive wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. These small avalanches also have to potential to initiate a deep persistent slab, and create a larger avalanche.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5