Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2.5
Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKananaskis
Dec 3 – 4, 2020Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 6 years ago
Avalanche danger
Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
We desperately need snow to freshen up the skiing! While we wait, the ice climbing, XC skiing and snowshoeing are still in pretty good shape. Not into those? The front ranges will be warm and dry for a couple of days yet. Hiking or biking are options for a day out.
Avalanche problems
Persistent Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5–3
The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. It is now buried anywhere from 30 to 100cm deep and it could be sensitive to human triggering in steep or unsupported terrain. Shallow snowpack areas may also be a trigger point.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
A daytime high of -4 tomorrow for the Burstall Pass area. No snow, but some thin cloud might form a few flurries near the divide. Fingers crossed! Alpine winds will ne about 45n/hr from teh NW.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing today.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine areas have been heavily affected by the past week of strong winds and wind slabs are widespread at tree line and above. Ridges and ribs are stripped free of snow while lee and cross-loaded terrain have deep deposits of wind loaded snow. The November crust is down 30-100cm and is producing anywhere from moderate to no results.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.