Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.
The avalanche hazard will rise significantly Tuesday morning and through the day with the incoming storm. Rain is expected at lower elevations (<1800m) before transitioning to snow.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
Significant snowfall (~30cm) with strong transport winds overlies the December 2nd interface, which consists of surface hoar, thin sun crust on south and west aspects, and facets. Strong SW winds to redistribute storm snow at all elevations. The snowpack is 25-45cm in depth with a faceted base.
Weather Summary
Significant westerly flow entering the region will lead to high winds, unseasonably warm temps, and snowfall beginning in the am and continuing all day Tuesday. Accumulations of new snow, 10-15cms with strong southwesterly winds are anticipated.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Forecasted strong winds and new snow will lead to reactive wind slabs in Lee features. These avalanches have the potential to initiate a deeper persistent slab and create a larger avalanche.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2
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: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2