Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 1 – 2, 2017Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Winds are going to increase starting Wednesday morning. There is snow available to transport increasing the probability of overloading an already weak snowpack. Even more snow and stronger winds forecast for Friday.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Persistent slabs are buried under 10cm of snow. It potentially overlies a buried surface hoar from Feb 10 but it's difficult to locate. Be vigilant particularly in sheltered spots where buried surface hoar may be lurking.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Whumphing is occurring in un-skied terrain. Suspect pockets of weakness just waiting for the trigger particularly shallow spots. Cold temperatures continue to promote facetting weakening an already weak mid pack and base. 

Weather Forecast

In the Columbia Icefields, expect  for Wednesday -10 to -16 degrees Celsius, flurries, and 25km/hr Westerly winds. Thursday and Friday winds will pick up Westerly 50km/hr Alpine and Treeline, trending warmer temperatures, and 15-25cm of snow Thursday night into Saturday. Still a few days away but one can hope and offer sacrifices to Ullr.

Snowpack Summary

A persistent slab at TL and ALP is buried by 10cm of snow and light winds making for powdery conditions. A rain crust is buried by this recent snow below 1900m. A somewhat dense upper snowpack overlies a weak faceted base making for unpredictably dangerous avalanche conditions. A surface hoar layer may be 40cm deep yet remains unconfirmed.

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday's patrol up Cavel road observed no new natural activity but this is only a small part of our region. Snowpack was extremely weak underfoot. 

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Regions covered