Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 15 – 16, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

While incoming snow will improve the ski quality it will also increase the avalanche hazard. Keep in mind that early season hazards still lurk below the shallow snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Forecasted snow and strong winds will likely develop a reactive windslab  through the weekend

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    Best to assume all skiable slopes have this layer, and assess the strength of this interface before committing to a line. With forecasted snow values adding more load to the snowpack expect this weak layer to become more reactive through the storm.

Weather Forecast

Click here for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

The Oct. 25th crust/facet combo remains the main concern. This layer is buried an average of 20 to 55cm, and is present on most slopes with sufficient snowpack for safe skiing - we expect this layer to linger for sometime. Forecasted snow and strong winds will add more load to this weak layer as well as create new windslabs at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Last week the Oct 25th layer produced some large natural avalanches (up to size 2.5) throughout the Rockies from as far south as Kananaskis Country, north to Yoho, the Icefields, Jasper and Marmot Basin Ski Hill.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered