Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 6 – 7, 2022
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Warming trend and increased solar input could wake up weak layers within the snowpack on Sunday.While the winds continue to scour the alpine, look out for loose wet avalanches below tree line on solar aspects in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent snow is available for transport. Wind slabs are likely in lee slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Persistent slabs sit over different weak layers depending on elevation & aspect. Above 1950m a buried facet layer down 20-40cm is the primary concern. Below 1950m, a faceting crust down 40-70 is presenting a more stubborn version of a similar problem

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Loose wet will be of most concern in the afternoon (between 13:00- 16:00) as the solar input and temperatures increase.

Weather Forecast

Sunday:

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -7 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday:

Flurries.

Accumulation: 7 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -7 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 25 km/h gusting to 75 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy wind effect at tree line and above. Snowpack is facetted and complex. December facet layers down 20-40cm still reactive in tests; buried surface hoar found in isolated locations.

Avalanche Summary

Road patrol on Maligne road observed few small dry loose avalanches in steep alpine terrain, and one large wind slab in steep alpine NE aspect. Icefields road patrol observed no new natural avalanche activity.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered