Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 6th, 2022–Dec 7th, 2022

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Light snow and cool temperatures are continuing to facet and weaken the snowpack. Windslabs can be found in more alpine areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Cloudy skies and light snowfalls prevented a good look around on Tuesday and as a result, we are unclear on the extent of any avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are found on the surface in wind-prone alpine terrain, and below the surface in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. A few slab avalanches (both human and naturally triggered) in steeper terrain have been noted in recent days. The basal layers of the snowpack are typical of the eastern Rockies for this time of year, and consist almost entirely of facets. Unfortunately this condition is not going anywhere fast, and may be with us for the season.

Weather Summary

Pretty similar weather pattern on Wednesday to that of Tuesday. Cloudy skies, light flurries and day time temperatures around -15C. Winds are forecast to begin to increase and by Thursday winds around 60KPH from the west are forecast to arrive.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.