Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 1 – 2, 2021
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy snowfall and strong winds will dramatically increase the avalanche hazard overnight. The Icefields Parkway is now closed from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan Crossing.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    The average 1 meter snowpack has a crust near the ground surrounded by weakening large grain facets. This is a layer to watch as our neighbors are experiencing activity on it.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 20cm Snow with and alpine low of -4 C. Ridge wind southwest: 30 gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level 1600 m

Wednesday: 15cm snow with and alpine high of -1. Ridge wind west: 20 gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level 2100m

Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Ridge wind west: gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level 1600m

Snowpack Summary

Incoming storm snow will fall over recently formed wind slabs on all but SW aspects. The mid-pack is around 80cm thick above a thin crust near the ground in some locations. Snowpack is shrinking rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Multiple, natural wet loose Avalanches up to Size 2 observed on the Icefields parkway this afternoon. Explosive control on Parker Slabs on Monday produced thin wind slabs not propagating far. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected throughout the incoming storm.

Confidence

Regions covered