Best ski conditions will be found at and below tree line on sheltered slopes.
Problèmes avalancheux
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpin
Limite forestière
Sous la limite forestière
Probabilité
Possible
Taille
1–3
Previous moderate to strong SW winds in the Icefields area at upper elevations have added to this condition.
Deep Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpin
Limite forestière
Sous la limite forestière
Probabilité
Unlikely
Taille
2–3
A supportive mid-pack is adding strength to the snowpack above this weakness. Shallow areas should be considered suspect.
Weather Forecast
An arctic cold front will move into the forecast area. Light to moderate Southerly winds are forecast with the possibility of light flurries overnight, clearing by Friday. Temperatures will be about 10 degrees colder than average for this time of year.
Snowpack Summary
Windslabs in the alpine are the primary avalanche concern. These are more likely to be encountered in the Columbia Icefields area where the strongest winds have been observed. In the Marmot Pass area on December 18th, surface slabs failed with a moderate shear near treeline elevations. The mid snowpack remains supportive for the time being.