Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Very Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
This new wind slab will be sitting on the weak basal crystals.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKananaskis
Dec 5 – 7, 2023Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 3 years ago
Avalanche danger
Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Highlights
Warm temperatures, rain and wind slabs are increasing the avalanche hazard.
Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Avalanche problems
Persistent Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Very Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Slabs are reactive on the basal facets and possibly an intact crust at lower elevations. These will run far and fast if they trigger.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Visibility was poor for observing but one size 2 avalanche was noted in the Commonwealth area near tree line. This is likely due to the rain soaked snow.
Snowpack Summary
A major weather event is happening with warm temperatures and moderate snow amounts.
Expect rain soaked up to 2300m. With the forecast snow for Tuesday night, along with SW winds, expect wind slabs to be building in the alpine, especially near lee features and cross loaded gullies. These new wind slabs are only adding load to an incredibly weak base comprised of facets, depth hoar, and crusts.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night: 5-10cm of snow is forecast to fall with the overnight freezing level of 2100m.
Wednesday during the day: 2-4cm throughout the day with SW winds of 30-40km/h. Freezing level will be around 2000m.
Wednesday night: 10-15cm throughout the day with winds diminishing to 5-10km/h from the NNW. Freezing level dropping to 1300m.
Thursday: Cooling trend with flurries and light West winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.