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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 17th, 2021–Dec 18th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper.

Steady inputs of moderate wind and snow continue to build on the existing windslab hazard.

Travel delays expected Sunday for possible avalanche control on the Icefields Parkway. Check AB511 for updates.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods. Temp: Low -19 °C. Ridge wind SW:10 km/h.

Saturday: Flurries. Accumulation: 10 cm. Temp: High -11 °C. Ridge wind SW:15-30 km/h.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -17 °C, High -12 °C. Ridge wind light to 25 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and small amounts of new snow over the week have formed sensitive wind slabs in alpine and treeline areas. Mid snowpack has settled with a 2cm crust present (down ~20cm) below the recent storm snow up to 1950m. Another crust near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting adding to deep persistent slab concerns.

Avalanche Summary

Anticipating possible Avalanche control operations on the Icefields Parkway beginning Sunday morning. Delays of up to 1.5 can be expected between 10:00 and 15:00. Check Alberta road conditions for updates.

Please share your trip report, Ice and/or Riding conditions on Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Information Network!

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.