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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 12th, 2024–Jan 13th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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.

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://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.

Avalanche 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: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

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: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2