Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Marcus Waring,
Good skiing can still be found in sheltered areas at tree line and below but the hunt is becoming more challenging.
Expect travel delays on the Icefields Parkway Thursday due to avalanche control. Check AB511 for updates.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tuesday-Â Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and trace precipitation.
Alpine high -13
Ridge wind west: 20 km/h.
Wednesday - Snow up to 20 cm.
Alpine temp high -7 C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 55 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom
Thursday - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Trace precipitation and moderate W wind.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has been redistributed by variable winds creating fresh wind slab in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid snowpack has settled well with a deteriorating rain crust present up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting.
Avalanche Summary
Two size 1 wind slab avalanches were triggered by explosive avalanche control on Sunday in the Parkers ridge area. Avalanches occurred on cross loaded, alpine features below ridge top. No recent natural avalanche activity observed.
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Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Although the treeline hazard is generally low, be aware that pockets of windslab may exist on exposed terrain features at any elevation.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This problem is trending toward unreactive but our current snowpack structure means this layer could wake up with a large trigger or rapid loading. Use extra caution in thin areas were humans are most likely to trigger this high consequence layer.
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2021 4:00PM
