Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
Watch for signs of previous reverse wind loading and dry loose avalanches. Just because it is cold doesn't mean that avalanches can't happen.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches to size one from steep rocky terrain were observed across Jasper on Thursday. No field patrol Friday or Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
Cold temperatures continue to weaken the snowpack. There is a possibility of reverse wind loading from previous NE winds in the alpine. Cold temperatures can cause a wind slab problem to persist longer than normal. Old persistent weak layers are present in the snowpack but continue to facet and are unreactive in snow pit tests.
Weather Summary
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Reverse loading from NE winds have likely created wind slab on non-typical SW aspects in the alpine.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
The cold temperatures and the clear skies will trigger loose dry avalanches from steep rocky terrain. These avalanches by themselves will be of low risk unless you are in a terrain trap or above a cliff.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2