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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 12th, 2021–Dec 13th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Alpine conditions will take a few days yet to settle and become reliable enough for travel or exposure. But that's OK. The treeline skiing is very good right now.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

More flurries overnight and tomorrow with maybe another 5cm total accumulation. Generally light winds, but the alpine will be a roller coaster of a wind pattern. Lets just say it will be another windy day up high, and probably gusty. Temperatures will start at about -15, and reach as high as -11.

Avalanche Summary

There were several slabs noted today. Most were at the bottom of large cliffs where spindrift would collect. They appeared to avalanche mid storm. A few high alpine storm snow slabs were also seen in the northern part of the region. Size 2.5 was the biggest on a steep, south aspect.

Snowpack Summary

40-60cm of storm snow(last 48 hours) at treeline has continued to help bury the crusts and refresh the ski quality. Despite the strong winds yesterday and last night, most treeline areas we encountered today (Tryst area) had a soft slab with minor cracking and no propagation with ski cuts. Needless to say, as we transitioned to the alpine windslabs did become a problem that forced us to tuck tail and head back away from the ridges. Ski quality was quite good in the trees. Lower down near valley bottom the crust is still apparent, but doesn't pose an avalanche problem.

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

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.