Avalanche Forecast
Potential for small avalanches in the wind slab to step down to the Deep Persistent Weak Layers.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Large avalanches have been observed in the west side of Jasper. No new avalanches were observed by the field team in Maligne on Friday.
If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps!
Snowpack Summary
Freezing levels are starting to drop leaving a crust below tree line. The alpine and open tree line terrain is wind affected. Large facets and depth hoar comprise most of the snowpack. The snowpack varies from 50-85cm in depth and is unsupportive.
Weather Summary
Sunday
Cloudy with sunny periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -3 °C.
Ridge wind south: 10 km/h.
Freezing level: 1000 metres.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C, High -5 °C.
Ridge wind south: 20-35 km/h.
Freezing level: 1400 metres.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -9 °C, High -8 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20-40 km/h.
Freezing level: 1200 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2