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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 20th, 2020–Jan 21st, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Significant wind effect and cornice growth observed in the region, but no natural activity.

Weather Forecast

The arctic front has now retreated to the far north of BC.  An upper ridge is expected to pass through. Warm air continues to invade overtop and through the mountains. For more info: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Settled snow becoming more cohesive over previous surfaces, mostly facets. The upper snowpack has facetted and weakened; this is more pronounced in shallow HS areas where less than ~60cm. Inconsistent mid-pack bridging over the basal facets and DH. HS average at TL: ~135cm.

Avalanche Summary

Control work on the Icefields Parkway today produced soft slab to size 1.5 on low elevation targets. Significant warming at low elevations producing snowballs and pinwheels on solar aspects. A wet slab (size 2) released below treeline (1400m) and schmooed (definitely a technical term) onto the road at Medicine Lake late this afternoon.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs at ridgetop along with cornice growth.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Cold facetting has weakened of the snowpack and compromised the bridging strength. Potential for triggering these deeper layers could increase as temperatures warm.

  • Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3