Ski quality is top notch in the Jasper backcountry. Pay attention to the effects of new snow, increased winds and rising temperatures over the course of the weekend.
Weather Forecast
Moderate snow falls, increased wind and the potential for rapid warming are in the forecast for the weekend. Accumulations may be in excess of 25 cm at higher elevation near the Columbia Icefield Area.
Snowpack Summary
The new snow has come in cold and with very little wind. Field tests at tree line today showed an easy failure of the mid pack over basal facets and depth hoar but nothing related to the storm snow. With the forecast rising temperatures, new snow and increased wind we anticipate the avalanche danger to rise at all elevations over the weekend.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.