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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2019–Dec 29th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Reports of great ski quality may tempt you to push into bigger lines.  The current snowpack is variable and weak with new windslabs creating further hazard.  Ski conservatively!

Weather Forecast

Clear, warming and light winds expected Sunday.  Temperatures falling with increasing westerly winds and light flurries forecast for the beginning of the week.

CAA's Mountain Weather Forecast for more specific details.

Snowpack Summary

6-25mm Surface Hoar growing up to 2200m. Consistent Moderate SW winds for the past 48 hours have created wind slabs in lee features. These overlies a mosaic of buried wind slabs and facetted weak layers. Basal layers continue to develop into larger facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations along the Icefields Parkway or Maligne Road today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

SW moderate winds continue to develop windslab on lee slopes.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Whumphing observed on this weakness observed below treeline.  Large loads may trigger it.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Caution Ice climbers in confined features with steep walls holding dry loose snow

  • If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.
  • Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5