Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jeff Andrews,
Avalanche danger will rise on Thursday with the incoming storm. Watch for sensitive wind slab ridge crest and non typical areas lower in terrain.
Expect travel delays on the Icefields Parkway Friday due to avalanche control. Check AB511 for updates.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday:
Flurries
Accumulation: 14 cm.
Alpine temperature: High -8 C.
Ridge wind southwest moderate to strong.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Friday
Flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -23 C, High -14 C.
Ridge wind west: light gusting to 20 km/h.
Arctic ridge taking over into the weekend with mega frigid temps kicking in...
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm of recent snow with moderate to strong SW winds contributing to wind slab development in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid snowpack has settled well with a deteriorating rain crust present up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting.
Avalanche Summary
One size 2 natural avalanche observed late yesterday initiating low in the start zone of one of our frequent flyers in the Parker slabs - wind slab up to 60cm deep with impressive propagation (100m) - did not make it far.
Please share your trip report, Ice and/or Riding conditions on Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Information Network!
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Sustained SW winds and new snow overnight into Thursday continue to build new wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. Slab development not isolated to ridgecrest and can be found low in terrain features from the strong to extreme winds Dec 21.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This problem is trending toward unreactive but our current snowpack structure means this layer could wake up with a large trigger or rapid loading. Use extra caution in thin areas were humans are most likely to trigger this high consequence layer.
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
