Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Deryl Kelly,

Email

Jasper.

Caution is strongly advised while the snowpack adjusts to the changing temperatures.

Road and avalanche control closures imminent with forecasted new snow, Wednesday through Friday.

Check AB 511 for up to date info.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Flurries, 8 cm. Temp: High -6 °C. SW: 20-40 km/h.

Wednesday: Snow, heavy at times. Accumulation: 29 cm Temp: Low -6 °C, High -2 °C. SW: 20-40 km/h. FZL: 1900 m

Thursday: Flurries. Accumulation: 11 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -2 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 m

Snowpack Summary

Significant changes happening in the forecast region. New input of snow, wind or sun are having a dramatic effect to the hazard depending on asp, elevation and geographic location. Surface instabilites, like new snow, wind-pressed, transported or temp related will trigger and entrain facets, likely other deep instabilities. Strong caution advised. 

Avalanche Summary

Forecasting teams observing numerous natural events, up to sz 2 in both the Maligne range and Icefields Parkway.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Steady and gusting SW wind continue to develop new slabs on lee aspects particularly the North aspects.

  • Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This layer is a rain crust up to 1950m and reactive. Typically this layer is down around 40cm.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Notable activity in the region. Triggers include cornice failures, explosives, or a skier's weight in a very shallow snowpack spot.

  • Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2022 4:00PM

Login
Join