Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Stay out of avalanche terrain!
Maligne lake road will be closed January 30th at 1800, and Ice fields parkway (93N) will be closed January31st @ noon until February 3rd for avalanche control.
511.alberta.ca/ for updates
Weather Forecast
Friday: Flurries up to 38cm accompanied by Strong to Extreme SW winds Freezing levels to rise to 1700M
Saturday: Heavy snow. 38cm with Strong to Extreme SW winds Freezing levels at 1700M
Sunday: Clearing trend with temperatures dropping to the -20 range
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Today's extreme winds have created wind slab (Soft to hard) tree line and above. Most fetches are stripped. This overlies a weakening mid-pack comprised of varied facet forms. This provides some questionable bridging over the basal facets and DH.
HS average at TL: ~145cm
Avalanche Summary
A road patrol down Ice fields parkway today noted a few Size 1 loose dry avalanches out of steep rocky terrain.
A Sz 2 wind slab avalanche was also observed off Mt Hardisty NW alpine face
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
A strong warm storm is expected to deliver upwards of 80cm of snow in the next 36 hours.
- It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain
Expected Size: 2.5 - 4
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering large features.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 3 - 4