Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
AB,
Avalanche Canada
Strong Easterly gap wind is creating wind slabs at tree line and below on Tuesday with a classic Yoho blow. Ice climbers should be wary of approaching ice climbs with open slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were observed or reported on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is shallow and weak with a base of facets and depth hoar. A 20-60 cm slab overlies this weak base and could easily be triggered in some locations. Loose, faceted sluffs are being triggered below treeline in some locations and any avalanches that do release will run further than expected with the cohesion-less snow.
Weather Summary
Bitter cold with lows close to -35 on Wednesday. The wind will continue into the strong range from the East on Tuesday. A warming trend with some snow is expected over the weekend.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
A 20-60 cm slab overlies weak basal facets which continue to get weaker each day. No recent natural avalanches have been observed, but we expect human triggering to remain possible on large slopes. This problem will be around for the foreseeable future.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong easterly gap wind on Tuesday is forming wind slabs at tree line and below in the Field area. Weather station wind data shows lower wind speeds in the alpine and less likely to form fresh wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2022 4:00PM
