Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Quick cool down overnight Friday will tighten up the snowpack for now and into the forecasted future.
(cautiously, he predicts..) It appears to be setting up for a stellar week of touring and exploration in the Rockies!
Weather Forecast
Variable weather through out the forecast region with rain and/or snow possible at TL and below. Best to select area specific forecasts via Avalanche Canada's Mountain Weather Forecasts resources.
Snowpack Summary
Varied snowpack with elevation and aspect. Sunny, BTL slopes mostly below threshold, definitely out below ~1600m. TL and below, expect a mixed bag of dust on crusts with improving support underfoot as the temps cool. Above TL, new precip and strong winds will build new windslabs on N to E aspects. Sheltered areas TL and above, could be epic!?
Avalanche Summary
Crazy winds and mixed precip in the Three Valley Confluence at all elevations. Poor visibility TL and abv. on patrol in Maligne. Avalanche control produced small surface slabs (wind) and loose wet , up to sz 1.5.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
SW winds created fresh wind slabs. These new wind slabs sit over a variety of firm surfaces including wind effected snow and sun/temperature crusts.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Cornices
Fresh cornices are proving to be reactive with loading.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3.5