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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 22nd, 2021–Dec 23rd, 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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

New snow and strong SW winds will increase the avalanche danger over the next few days. What we could ski last week is not the same now. Slowly transition into wind affected terrain looking for the new slabs. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

10-15cm of snow is forecast to fall by the end of the day on Thursday with winds starting to diminish by mid-day and temperatures getting cold! Pay close attention to the winds as it comes in with the new snow. We are seeing windslabs continue to build and the increased load will make them more reactive. 

Avalanche Summary

Numerous cornice collapses were observed off of Mt Smith dorrien today but none ran into ski terrain. A recent skier triggerred sz 1 avalanche near the Dog Leg slide path on a southerly wind loaded aspect from the immediate lee.  

With cracking observed on Wednesday in the low alpine we expect wind slabs to become more reactive to skiers tomorrow.  

Snowpack Summary

Wind effect from recent SW flow evident in Alpine areas with windslabs 20-30cm thick in open areas. Some cracking observed in immediate lees but once off the ridgeline snow was occasionally upside down with intermittent trips below the stiffer slab while skiing. At TL wind effect was confined to gullies and specific features. December crust down 80cm at 200m with 5cm of facets overlying this layer. Hard sudden collapse results were observed as the facet layer is getting more pronounced. Watch for the new snow to add load to the existing windslabs making them more reactive. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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.