Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible - Likely
- Size
- 1–2.5
Wind slabs are widespread through the region with new and previous loading in lee features. Sensitivity will vary with local loading and wind patterns.
Human triggering is possible in areas where windslab is present. This WILL trigger the deep instability, especially in areas where there is significant spacial variability and wind effect.
Wind slabs are widespread through the region with new and previous loading in lee features. Sensitivity will vary with local loading and wind patterns.
Shallow snowpack areas, windslabs and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences of triggering will likely be severe!
Fair weather approaches! A surface ridge, from the north and will push isolated flurries through the northern front ranges Monday; finally clearing over the day Tuesday. Broken sun and an alpine high temperature of -12 C. Wind, NW 10 km/h gusting to 30 km/h.
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Mountain Weather Forecast
Variable strength windslab on the surface. Pronounced cornice development on northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. The mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar in some locations.
Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.
"The Beast has awakened!" Experienced back-country users remotely triggered a very large avalanche (sz 4) on Whistlers Peak yesterday. The pair observed significant wind effect in the area and unknowingly triggered the windslab from 100m away, which then initiated the entire season's snowpack on the deep persistent layer. Further details here: MIN