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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2024–Dec 14th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

New windslabs will form as new snow falls.

Multiple crusts from earlier in the season are still present near the bottom of the snowpack and have the potential to be produce avalanches. Consider digging down and having a look in the area you are skiing or riding in.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One natural size 2 avalanche, failing on the early season crust, and two natural size 2 windslabs were observed on alpine southwest and south aspects on Monday, December 9th near the Icefields.

Snowpack Summary

Incoming snow will fall during windy conditions, potentially forming a thin but reactive windslab. This may form overtop a surface hoar layer that has been found in sheltered Alpine areas down 40-60 cm's. At the bottom of the snowpack there are a variety of early season crusts with large faceted crystals above and below. Both of these layers have been producing sudden planar, compression test results in test profiles.

Weather Summary

Saturday:

Snow forecasts vary, could see accumulation up to 11 cm through the day. Alpine temperature high of -5 °C. Ridge wind from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday:

Cloudy with scattered flurries accumulating up to 4cm of snow. Alpine temperature: low of-12 °C and a high of -8 °C. 15km/h ridge wind gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Potential incoming snow and wind may develop into thin but reactive windslabs. Avoid wind loaded pockets and evaluate carefully before entering steep and unsupported terrain that could be affected by wind. Windslab avalanches may step down to deeper layers.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2