Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MW, Avalanche Canada

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Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Additional snowfall and wind Monday evening - Tuesday will continue to build wind slabs in exposed terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No Avalanche activity was observed on Sunday. No field observations today.

Please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed by moderate wind developing a wind slab in exposed terrain. Surface wind slab/snow sits over a hard layer created by previous wind-effect. The rest of the snowpack is weak and faceted with well-developed depth hoar at the base. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-75 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Flurries. 7 cm. SW wind 15-35km/h

Tuesday

Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h gusting to 45.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Alpine High -10 °C. Light Wind.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine high -30 °C.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Cold temperatures and additional snowfall the evening will increase the likelihood of dry loose avalanches in extreme terrain. Be aware of your overhead hazard and exposure to consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2024 4:00PM

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