Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 7th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Brian Webster,
High winds are forecast for Wednesday morning. Watch for fresh wind slabs in the alpine.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Strong SW winds in the alpine are forecasted throughout the region for Wednesday morning. Up to 10 cm of snow is expected by the end of the day. Temperatures will remain cool.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine conditions range from scoured, to wind effected to pockets of fresh wind slabs. The Dec 2 rain crust has formed up to 2200 m and is now covered by 5-30 cm of fresh snow depending on elevation. The lingering Nov 15 interface is down 50-100+ cm and the Nov 5 crust/facet layer is found near the ground. 90-200 cm of snow at treeline.
Avalanche Summary
No new natural avalanches observed on Tuesday. The Ski Hills reported several small explosive triggered avalanches. One significant skier accidental size 3Â was triggered on Lipalian Mtn (near Lake Louise) on Sunday. This was a steeper slope in a cross-loaded, thinner snowpack area which is typical of the type of terrain to be more concerned about.
Confidence
Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Wednesday
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
We continue to see occasional high consequence avalanches on the Nov 5 crust/basal facets in specific terrain features. Some slabs have initiated on this layer, while others were "step down" avalanches triggered as wind slabs or cornices hit them.
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong winds on Wednesday and some new snow will increase the wind slab hazard in the alpine and exposed treeline locations.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 8th, 2021 4:00PM
