Windslabs continue to develop in the alpine. Concern remains for the Dec 3rd persistent weak layer, dig frequently to check for presence of this spotty surface hoar problem and keep a watchful eye on the character of the slab above it. TH
Summary
Weather Forecast
Westerly flow will bring light amounts of precip under mainly cloudy skies with light to moderate alpine winds over the forecast period. Expect 10cm total through Wednesday. Temps will drop a bit from highs near -10 to as low as -25 at treeline overnight Monday corresponding with some clearing and diminished winds that evening.
Snowpack Summary
10 cm of recent snow has added to the faceted slab over the Dec 3 Surface Hoar now 30 to 50cm deep. While significant shears persist on this layer in isolated, shaded and sheltered areas from 1700 to 2150m, the slab above it continues to lose strength. Meanwhile moderate SW winds are steadily building slabs behind prominent features in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Reports citing windslabs up to size 2 in the alpine sensitive to skier traffic have come in over the last 24 hrs as well as a few natural cornice events. Small loose dry activity has also been seen at treeline and above, while these are of minimal consequence at this time in all but extreme terrain, their size is likely to increase.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
tim haggarty,
Parks Canada
