Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 19th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Aaron Beardmore,
Watch for increasing wind on Monday which will build fresh wind slabs, especially in the alpine. Eagle Mountain and Mt Bourgeau avalanche closure zones are CLOSED on Monday for avalanche control.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Cool temps and increasing wind on Monday. The wind is expected to increase to strong from the West. Warming temps and some new snow is expected on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cm of low density surface snow with extensive wind effect in the alpine and tree line. The Dec 2 rain crust is present below 2200 m and down 40-60 cm with facets above and below. The Nov 5 crust/facet interface is found near the base of the snowpack and has formed a deep persistent layer. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120 to 180 cm.
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 skier accidental was reported to Lake Louise ski patrol. The slide occurred just outside the ski are boundary on the exit to Purple Bowl. There was no involvement but it was reported as 25m wide by 200m long. Look for further details on the MIN. Otherwise no new avalanches observed or reported.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations on Sunday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Forecasted strong winds on Monday will likely increase the sensitivity and distribution of wind slabs in alpine and tree line elevations. We expect this avalanche problem to be most prominent on lee features in the alpine.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 20th, 2021 4:00PM
