Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 11 – 12, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Watch for local accumulations and building avalanche danger over the weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Alpine and tree line winds had added a stiff wind slab to the weak snowpack. If this layer triggers it will likely step down to the basal weakness mentioned above.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    New snow will likely overload deep weaknesses in the snowpack causing increased avalanche activity.

Weather Forecast

Heavy snow fall warning in effect for Jasper. Mild temperatures and up to 20cms new snow are expected through Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Additional mass added to the already weak snowpack will likely result in heightened avalanche danger this weekend.  In the alpine storm and winds slabs are found and test with easy to moderate shears.  Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

Increased loading with new snow and wind forecast for the weekend will renew avalanche activity.  Field teams noted debris of 2 sz 2.5 slab avalanches which had released in the last 48 hours on the basal facets at alpine elevations. Control work with large explosives produced avalanches to size 2 below on Thursday.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered