The new snow has created great ski conditions, but be cautious of wind-loaded pockets. Before entering steep or unsupported terrain, carefully evaluate both wind effect and the potential for triggering deeper instabilities.
High winds created windslabs in leeward features. Avoid wind loaded pockets and evaluate carefully before entering steep and unsupported terrain that could be affected by wind. Windslab avalanches may step down to deeper layers.
The Oct 18 crust is getting buried deeper and deeper and will take some careful evaluation and diligent investigation. A natural size 2 avalanche failing on this layer was reported on Dec 9 near the Icefields—indicating that it may be becoming more active.
One natural size 2 avalanche, failing on the Oct 18 crust, and two natural size 2 windslabs were observed on southwest and south aspects on Monday, Dec 9 near the Icefields.
Up to 25 cm of storm snow fell last weekend, settling on a newly buried weak layer. Below 2500m, this layer consists of a thin melt-freeze crust, while above 2500m, it is surface hoar in sheltered areas. Strong winds have redistributed the fresh snow into windslabs, which may fail either on the crust or on deeper layers.
Although three weak layers exist in the snowpack, the most concerning is the October crust which is found near the base with facets above and below.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature High -6 °C. Ridge wind from the west (10 km/h). Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries (trace amounts). Alpine temperature Low -7 °C and High -4 °C. Ridge wind from the west (10 km/h). Freezing level: 1600 metres.
