Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2015–Jan 9th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

The storm slab is proving to be highly reactive to ski cutting where it overlies the weak facet/surface hoar layer. This is likely to be an issue for the foreseeable future.

Weather Forecast

The forecast calls for little precipitation with clear skies and increasing temperatures through the day on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Skiing was good yesterday but field teams were very cautious around steep terrain where it was easy to ski cut several small soft slabs.

Avalanche Summary

The debris of a natural size 2 storm slab avalanche was observed from East facing terrain in the alpine.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow has settled into a slab which overlies a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. A forecast of warm temps and clear skies on Friday may well lead to an increased likelihood of avalanches on solar aspects.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer exists below a strong mid-pack at treeline and sub-alpine elevations. Large loads such as a cornice collapse or surface slides could still possibly trigger this deep persistent weakness.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2