Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 23rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Better skiing might be found around tree line after a few days of wind, affecting a variety of aspects and elevations.
Be mindful of wind slabs in unexpected places.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed during road patrol from Jasper to Saskatchewan Crossing January 22nd.
A couple of wind slabs up to size two were observed on Sunwapta Peak and Nigel Peak on the 19th.
Avalanche control near Parkers on Friday Jan 17th produced slab avalanches up to size 2.5. These avalanches stepped down to the Deep Persistent layer.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind effect in the TL and Alpine regions. Wind slabs sit on a very weak faceted mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack are the early season crusts, which are often surrounded by large depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at treeline. Valley bottom travel is difficult in the weak, loose facets.
Weather Summary
FridaySunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -12 °C.
Ridge wind northwest: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.
SaturdaySunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -5 °C.
Ridge wind northwest: 10-20 km/h.
SundaySunny with cloudy periods.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C, High 1 °C.
Ridge wind northwest: 10 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have built wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. Winds have been variable in direction so watch for reverse loading. Avalanches may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 24th, 2025 4:00PM
