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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 4th, 2023–Dec 5th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Brazeau, Cirrus-Wilson, Icefields.

The avalanche hazard will rise significantly Tuesday morning and through the day with the incoming storm. Rain is expected at lower elevations (<1800m) before transitioning to snow.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Significant snowfall (~30cm) with strong transport winds overlies the December 2nd interface, which consists of surface hoar, thin sun crust on south and west aspects, and facets. Strong SW winds to redistribute storm snow at all elevations. The snowpack is 25-45cm in depth with a faceted base.

Weather Summary

Significant westerly flow entering the region will lead to high winds, unseasonably warm temps, and snowfall beginning in the am and continuing all day Tuesday. Accumulations of new snow, 10-15cms with strong southwesterly winds are anticipated.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.