Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2018–Jan 30th, 2018
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Rapid loading on top of persistent weak layers is expected to create dangerous avalanche conditions over the next few days.Closures of HW 93 (Icefield Parkway) will be in effect starting Jan 29 for control work. 511.Alberta.ca for updated  info.

Weather Forecast

Heavy snowfall Monday night, with amounts between 20-40cm possible for the Columbia Icefields area. Moderate SW winds to accompany this snowfall. Pressure rising mid-week as precipitation tapers. Temperatures will drop later in the week as an Arctic ridge establishes itself along the Eastern slopes of the Rockies.

Snowpack Summary

Incoming new snow is building fresh storm slabs and is falling on a persistent slab made up of 3 weak interfaces in the top 30 to 50cm of the snowpack. Depth and distribution of these weak surface hoar/facet layers varies within the terrain; although buried surface hoar has consistently been found in sheltered features at TL.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control on Parkers Ridge Friday produced 2 large avalanches, size 2 and 3 on a NE aspect running as a persistent slab. Numerous sloughs observed today from steep rocky terrain.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Incoming new snow and wind will build fresh storm slabs.
Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem is made up of 3 significant interfaces in the upper snowpack. Incoming new snow may overload these layers, which have recently been reactive to skier testing and explosive control work, producing a few very significant results.
If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Watch for sluffing in steep terrain.
The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5