Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
TJ,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for signs of previous reverse wind loading and dry loose avalanches. Just because it is cold doesn't mean that avalanche can't happen.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches to size one from steep rocky terrain were observed across Jasper on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Cold temperatures continue to weaken the snowpack. There is a possibility of reverse wind loading from previous NE winds in the alpine. Cold temperatures can cause a wind slab problem to persist longer than normal. Old persistent weak layers are present in the snowpack but continue to facet and are unreactive in snow pit tests.
Weather Summary
Saturday
Sunny
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -25 °C.
Light ridge wind.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Sunday
Sunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -25 °C, High -23 °C.
Light ridge wind.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Reverse loading from NE winds have likely created wind slab on non-typical SW aspects in the alpine.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The cold temperatures and the clear skies will trigger loose dry avalanches from steep rocky terrain. These avalanches by themselves will be of low risk unless you are in a terrain trap or above a cliff.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2024 4:00PM
