Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Parks Canada Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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Forecast snow amounts are uncertain Saturday night into Sunday. If it exceeds expectations, expect the hazard to increase with the incoming wind and snow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday night will bring -6 °C., 12cm of snow, West winds 25 km/h gusting to 70 km/h. Sunday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, -7 °C., and West winds 20 km/h gusting to 70 km/h. Monday - Tuesday will be clear skies and cold.

For more details: Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Weather Forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Variable surfaces including crusts, hard wind press and loose snow sit above the Nov. rain crust which goes as high as 2200m. Total snow pack height in alpine is around 45-85 cm. A variety of surfaces in the alpine from wind pressed/scoured features to wind slabs in lee features in the alpine. Sheltered locations have formed Surface hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Hazard can be expected to increase in isolated areas where wind effect and loading is visible. No natural activity observed or reported in the forecast region. A system pushing in will likely elevate the avalanche activity and hazard.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing strong SW winds will redistributed any new snow into windslabs in the high alpine lee features. Monitor how Saturday nights snow input develops this condition.

  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Saturday nights snow amounts are uncertain yet if it exceeds expectations, a dry loose condition could occur. Particularly in steep terrain.

  • 874
  • Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2019 4:00PM

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