Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Stephen Holeczi,

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There is uncertainty regarding wind slabs in the alpine due to minimal observations. Benign weather and a dive in temperatures Thursday/Friday will likely continue to improve conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light winds, cold temperatures (below -20C), and no new snow expected on Thursday. Friday will have slightly warmer temperatures (-12C) and continued light winds.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of low density surface snow with limited windslab development in the alpine. There is a Dec. 2 rain crust below 2200m down 40-60cm which has facets above and below which will be one to watch in the future. The basal Nov.5 crust is found in thin areas but is currently dormant. Average HS at treeline 150cm.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski hill had explosive controlled wind slabs to size 2 in very steep alpine features. No other avalanches noted.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

We still have limited information about distribution of these in the high alpine. Most reports have talked of minimal wind effect, and ski hills reporting limited activity with explosive control.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2021 4:00PM