Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 7 – 8, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

15cm of new snow at Parkers Ridge has improved the ski quality on the Icefields Parkway. Keep in mind that our low snowpack means rocks, stumps, and other hazards may be hidden just below the surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    This storm arrived with variable wind direction so be on the lookout for reverse loading.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    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.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Limited visibility on the Icefields Parkway Saturday. No new avalanches were observed at the tree line elevation today.

Please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of new snow has been redistributed by Moderate wind developing a soft wind slab in exposed terrain. Fresh Wind slab/snow sits over a previously wind-pressed layer that is supportive to ski's. The rest of the snowpack is weak and faceted with well-developed depth hoar at the base. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-75 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Ridge wind W: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom

Monday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h

Tuesday

Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

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